Latest news with #Mah
The Star
3 days ago
- Politics
- The Star
Time to draft and table gender equality Bill, says Mah
All smiles: Dr Mah posing for photographs with Perak Wanita MCA members during the AGM in Ipoh. — RONNIE CHIN/The Star IPOH: More efforts should be put into the drafting and tabling of the long-awaited Bill for gender equality, says Datuk Dr Mah Hang Soon. The MCA deputy president said while there had been some positive changes regarding women's rights, the unity government was still slow in drafting the Bill. 'The government has made some strides in advancing women's rights but there is still discontent among some communities. 'For over a decade, civil society organisations, human rights advocates and various political coalitions have been pushing for this landmark legislation. 'Its primary goal is to codify and enforce the principles of gender equality and non-discrimination into Malaysian law, moving beyond piecemeal amendments to existing Acts,' he said in his speech when opening the Perak Wanita MCA annual general meeting (AGM) here yesterday. 'There is no clear timetable to table the Bill in Parliament, which I feel should be an urgent need,' he added. Dr Mah said he believes the primary obstacle to the Bill was due to opposition from conservative religious and political groups. 'Some criticisms included promotion of Western or liberal values that are incompatible with Malaysian culture. 'There is also resistance due to concerns that it could be used to advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, which is a sensitive issue. 'I believe that a Bill can be drawn within the framework of the Federal Constitution, which ensures justice and fairness to the people,' he said. Dr Mah said among the problems still faced by women is inadequate representation in political parties or decision-making positions, moral policing of women's attire and domestic violence. 'The goal was to achieve a 30% quota for women in political decision-making roles but it remains elusive. 'The amount of female representation in Parliament has also decreased with only five women ministers. 'While laws exist, domestic violence remains a significant issue, with thousands of cases reported annually,' Dr Mah added. Separately, Dr Mah, who is also state MCA chairman, urged party members to continue to be committed to the party. He said it was important for members to attend important party events, especially those who represented the party as elected representatives or appointed to government positions. 'If they can't even show up for the party's annual general assembly, or if you just mark your attendance but leave, or frequently skip meetings, these (actions) say everything. 'If they can't even fulfil the basic requirement of participation, it shows they do not respect the party,' Dr Mah said. He added that while most of the state Wanita wing's division representatives were present during the AGM, there were still a few who were expected to attend, but were absent. 'If someone does not take the party seriously, the party will reassess their performance accordingly. 'We are committed to grooming new talents but action will still be taken if issues arise.'
Global News
22-07-2025
- Global News
Calgary couple survives ‘frightening' encounter with grizzly bear
Saturday seemed like the perfect day to celebrate 11 years of marriage for Howard Mah and Lori Arnason. 'I said to Howard, 'what should we do today?' Arnason recalls. 'We thought, 'let's go out to the mountains.' The Calgary couple travelled to Kananaskis. Surprised by the lack of hikers on the usually-bustling Troll Falls trail, the couple enjoyed the serenity. Mah was just about to take a picture of his wife when they were greeted by one of the locals. 'I'm walking ahead and then he said 'No Lori… Stop! Come back,' Arnason said. Just up the trail from Arnason was a grizzly bear. 'In some respects, it's kind of like 'Wow,'' Mah said. 'Neither of us had seen a grizzly in real life before.' Story continues below advertisement The pair slowly backed away from the bear, which ventured onto the trail towards them for roughly 10 minutes — a stretch of time that felt much longer. With his phone still out, Mah captured a heart-stopping video of the bear following them back down the path. 'I think somehow we thought it would just follow us for a little bit and get bored with us,' Arnason remarked. 'But it continued to follow us… so we quickened our pace a little bit.' Get daily National news Get the day's top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day. Sign up for daily National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy Mah and Arnason say the bear finally went on its way once they made themselves large and started roaring at it. 4:31 Bear Days looks to educate Albertans bear awareness Wildlife expert John Clarke says the wet weather in southern Alberta this year has changed wildlife patterns — something hikers should note. Story continues below advertisement 'So far with the amount of moisture we're getting, that's perfect for berry growth. With the ripening of these berries, you're going to see the bears cruising 24/7 looking for that food source,' the owner of Canadian Bear Safety Authority said after watching Mah's video. 'In this case, the bear was on a mission to go somewhere, using the same trail … they just bumped in to each other. If it was a bluff charge, there would have been a lot more happening — I think the bear was more curious and standing up.' Clarke says the couple did the right thing by backing away slowly, but says no one should use their phone during an encounter like this. 'This is a predator.' Mah and Arnason were quick to admit they didn't have bear spray — a mistake they say they won't make again. 'We were basically not prepared for hiking in bear country,' Mah said. 'Most people know that you should be talking loudly (if you encounter a bear), and we did know that — I don't know why we weren't,' Arnason said. 'When you see something like this, go talk to a Fish and Wildlife Officer or a Conservation Officer,' Clarke said. Story continues below advertisement 'If you're going to spend time in the wilderness, carry bear spray with you … take some courses and know how to use it.' Clarke adds bears aren't the only wildlife you should be aware of on the trails — the area is also frequented by cougars and moose, among other predatory species. 'Take five minutes. Stop, look and listen. If you hear a squirrel yipping, they always chatter if they see something walk by them. If you see a deer run away for no reason, maybe something is chasing them.' The couple made it back home safe and sound — and warned other hikers at the bottom of the trail. Alberta Parks has issued a bear warning for the trail in light of the incident. For Mah and Arnason, the encounter only resulted in an uncommon story — and a lesson learned from an experience that could have ended much worse. 'That was really frightening,' Arnason said.
The Star
11-07-2025
- Business
- The Star
E-commerce platform's new fee structure will squeeze sellers, says group
KUALA LUMPUR: The government is urged to step in and address the rising cost burden faced by local e-commerce sellers, following a wave of concern over new platform fees that sellers say could drive up prices for consumers and destabilise Malaysia's digital economy. A group of six online sellers have raised the alarm over an e-commerce platform's latest fee structure, warning that the changes — set to come into effect on July 16 - could have serious implications for small businesses across the country. The revised charges will affect nearly every stage of a seller's operations, including transaction fees, marketplace commissions, platform support costs, withdrawal charges, promotional activity fees, shipping surcharges, and deductions linked to its "pay later' instalment scheme. E-commerce seller Ricky Mah, who has been in the industry for seven years, said the new structure would increase operating costs by between 18% and 40% for local businesses. One of the most contentious additions, he said, is a platform support fee amounting to RM0.50 plus 8% SST (RM0.54 per order), which applies to most active sellers — particularly those with listings over 120 days old or more than 100 completed orders. 'This fee, combined with higher transaction charges and increased PayLater commission rates, has sparked serious concern among sellers,' he said. Mah added that since the start of this year, rising platform fees have already led to higher product prices — with some sellers reporting a 10% to 70% drop in sales, based on internal data. Catheline Teoh, another e-commerce seller, said local entrepreneurs are not struggling due to poor products or lack of effort, but rather because of an increasingly unbalanced operating environment. 'It's the constant shifts in platform policies and an ecosystem that's becoming harder for local sellers to navigate. We're struggling to survive even on home ground. 'If a buyer simply changes their mind, it's the seller who bears the cost including shipping. That's a huge financial strain. 'It also encourages more impulsive shopping, since buyers know they can easily return items. That's unhealthy for the entire ecosystem,' she said when attending a press conference held at Wisma MCA on Friday (July 11). She called for a more balanced approach, where sellers are not left shouldering the full responsibility, adding that her sales had dropped 20% since the past few months. She also said that without timely intervention, the country could become increasingly dependent on foreign brands, compromising its digital sovereignty. Adding to the growing chorus of concerns, MCA Public Complaints Bureau deputy chief and lawyer Ivan Tan has urged Shopee to delay the roll-out of the new charges. He said the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry will be holding a town hall session on July 17 to gather feedback on the review of e-commerce legislation. 'The session is meant to address ongoing concerns about online consumer complaints and to strengthen regulation within the sector,' he said. 'In light of this, the platform should suspend the implementation of the new fees until the necessary consultations have taken place.'
The Star
11-07-2025
- Business
- The Star
Mah: Support retirees hardest hit by OPR cut
PETALING JAYA: Targeted support measures for retirees should be introduced following the Overnight Policy Rate (OPR) reduction, says Datuk Dr Mah Hang Soon (pic). The MCA deputy president said retirees, who rely on fixed deposits as their retirement safety net, would be affected by the routine economic adjustment. Dr Mah said they are neither investors chasing profits in the stock market nor business owners seeking capital for the next big venture. 'These are our retirees, the very generation who built this nation with hard work, sacrifice and frugality. 'They lived through lean times, raised families and saved diligently for the future. 'They may not speak the language of fintech or global markets but they understood something fundamental: saving is security,' Dr Mah said in a statement yesterday. He said the OPR reduction would cause their interest income to shrink, while their living expenses continue to increase. This is especially so for healthcare and basic necessities, which would also be impacted by inflation and the expanded Sales and Service Tax. 'For them, it is a painful blow, one that threatens their already limited means of daily survival.' he said. Dr Mah gave an example that a senior citizen with RM300,000 in fixed deposits would have received RM750 in monthly interest at the previous 3% OPR rate. 'With the rate now at 2.75%, their monthly income drops to RM687.50, a loss of RM62.50 every month, or RM750 a year. 'For someone living on a tight budget, this isn't just a financial adjustment – it's a lost bottle of supplements, or a critical box of blood pressure medication. 'While the OPR cut has its advantages such as boosting spending and businesses, lower loan repayments and cheaper financing for entrepreneurs, not everyone will reap its benefits. 'For our elderly, who are no longer working and who cannot simply increase their income, this is a cut they cannot afford,' he added. Dr Mah said he does not oppose the proactive economic policies but strongly believe they must be accompanied by compassion and foresight. He urged the government and financial institutions to introduce targeted support measures for retirees who are adversely affected, which could include a 'Senior Citizens' Special Interest Rate', a 'Capital Protection Scheme for Retirees', or an 'Interest Subsidy Support Grant'. 'The government and financial institutions need to ensure that our seniors are protected, respected and never forgotten,' he said.
The Star
02-07-2025
- Health
- The Star
Mah: Exempt private healthcare providers from SST
PETALING JAYA: MCA has called for the exemption of the commercial rent and the expanded Sales and Service Tax (SST) from primary and private healthcare services. Its deputy president Datuk Dr Mah Hang Soon ( pic ) said that implementation would add a burden on top of the rising electricity costs, and these changes come at a time when healthcare providers were already struggling. "We must urgently protect our country's access to healthcare. "This call is not a push for increased profits for medical institutions but a plea to defend the fundamental right of every individual to access healthcare," he said in a statement yesterday. On June 30, six major associations representing doctors, community pharmacists and physiotherapists called for an exemption of the expanded SST on private primary care. The groups expressed concern with the impact of 8% SST on commercial rent, 6% SST on private healthcare services provided to foreign patients, as well as the revision of electricity tariffs. Dr Mah said many private healthcare providers already operated with narrow profit margins, and the imposition of additional taxes would force numerous clinics to shut down. "Consultation fees for private doctors have not increased in years, and rates are strictly regulated. Pharmacies and physiotherapists also face extremely limited margins," he added. With the rise in commercial rents, operational costs and electricity bills, coupled with taxes, Dr Mah, who is also the Perak MCA chairman, argued that this burden could be the tipping point. "If clinics close, communities, especially in suburban and rural areas, will suffer. If private healthcare becomes unaffordable, public hospitals will face an even greater strain." Aside from that, Dr Mah said the construction, cleaning and plantation sectors (the 3D sectors) relied heavily on foreign workers, who often seek affordable treatment at private clinics. "The 6% SST will make treatment more expensive, placing undue strain on these low-paid workers. "If they delay medical treatment due to higher costs, it will worsen their health and trigger broader public health concerns, including a higher risk of infectious disease transmission, which could escalate outbreaks in primary healthcare settings," he said. The increase in the SST threshold to RM1mil still does not address the unique nature of healthcare, he noted. "Many clinics exceed this threshold due to high demand for services, not because of significant profits. "A 'one-size-fits-all' tax approach fails to recognise the social responsibility of healthcare providers. "This policy risks discouraging primary healthcare providers, ultimately undermining Malaysia's healthcare system. "Healthcare is a vital service that directly impacts the well-being of the population, it should not be viewed through a profit-driven lens," he said. Dr Mah also urged the government to reconsider the concerns raised by the medical community and exempt commercial rent and SST for primary private healthcare services. "It is vital to protect the last line of defence in our healthcare system, ensuring services remain accessible to all citizens. "Ultimately, the tax system should be fair, just and reflect the unique needs of healthcare," he said.
