Latest news with #MahHangSoon
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.
BusinessToday
20-06-2025
- Business
- BusinessToday
Govt Must Adopt Four Critical Measures To Safeguard The Public As Electricity Tariff Concerns Mount
As news heats up over impending electricity tariff hikes in the second half of the year, it's no surprise that many Malaysians feel uneasy. Recognising that rising costs confront energy companies, thanks to global price fluctuations, the worsening climate crisis and the need to invest more in renewable energy. But even so, any changes that directly affect people's daily lives must be handled with transparency, fairness and careful planning. While the short-term impact might not hit low-income families too hard straightaway, rising bills will eventually take a toll. For many households already struggling to make ends meet, higher electricity costs could be the tipping point, forcing them to cut back even more. That's not the kind of pressure families should be facing. Moreover, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) will bear the brunt of this increase. These 'economic giants in miniature' are the backbone of our national economy; hence, if their operating costs rise due to higher electricity charges, they will be forced to pass the burden onto consumers, triggering inflation and eroding the purchasing power of ordinary Malaysians. This, in turn, threatens the very foundation of our economy. It is irrefutable that energy reform is necessary and inevitable. But it shouldn't come at the expense of ordinary Malaysians. Hence, the government needs to take four key steps to help people and businesses manage these changes: Explain the rationale and intended use of the tariff increase: The public must be assured that the hike is not arbitrary but is directed towards upgrading infrastructure and accelerating the green transition. People need to see the value of this change. Expand electricity subsidies: While the bottom 40% income group must continue to be protected, support should also be extended to the middle 40% income group, who are increasingly feeling the pressure of the rising cost of living. Strengthen energy-saving and carbon reduction education: By cultivating a nationwide culture of energy efficiency, we can help Malaysians adjust their consumption habits and soften the blow of rising tariffs. Support SME transformation: Temporary subsidies or tax relief should be provided to help businesses through the transitional phase, preventing disruptions that could stall our economic engine. Switching to cleaner energy is a long journey, and we all have a role to play. But citizens shouldn't be left to bear the burden alone. Energy transition is a long-term battle that should not be fought on the backs of the people alone. The government needs to demonstrate greater empathy and forward-thinking leadership. As we pursue long-term national goals, we must not lose sight of the immediate need to protect the welfare and stability of our people. The above commentary is by MCA Deputy President Datuk Dr Mah Hang Soon Related
The Star
02-05-2025
- Health
- The Star
Dr Mah advocates for regulatory body to oversee private hospital fees
Support for regulating private hospital charges on supplies & services WE strongly support the urgent call for a regulatory body to oversee and standardise charges imposed by private hospitals for supplies and services. Alarming examples—such as RM43.35 for an ice bag or RM18.80 for baby wipes—highlight the extent of unchecked profiteering that is placing an unfair burden on patients. In another case, a private hospital in Kuala Lumpur charged a patient RM1 for a sheet of disposable garbage bag—easily available at RM1.80 for 10 sheets in convenience stores—and RM3 for a yellow plastic bag meant for used syringes. Other items, like a plastic apron supposedly worn by the operating theatre nurse, were also billed. These charges are nearly impossible for patients to challenge, as hospitals often claim such items were used during surgery when patients are unconscious under anaesthetic. Hospital supplies and services (HSS)—including consumables, diagnostic tests, and use of medical equipment—now make up as much as 70% of private hospital bills, according to Bank Negara Malaysia. While professional fees and room charges are regulated or fixed, HSS costs remain largely unchecked. This lack of oversight fuels medical inflation and drives up insurance premiums, making private healthcare increasingly unaffordable. Patients must not be treated as passive recipients of excessive bills. They have a right to clear, upfront information about all charges before treatment. Too often, they are presented with lengthy, itemised bills—without explanation or the ability to make informed choices. This erodes trust in private healthcare. We echo calls for common-sense reforms. Clear regulations must ensure that prices for consumables and services are fair, reasonable, publicly displayed and relayed to patients prior to treatment or surgery. A regulatory body—including the Health Ministry, private healthcare providers, consumer groups, and civil society—should be established to oversee and enforce these standards. Healthcare providers must also adopt cost-effective practices such as using generic medicines and evidence-based diagnostics, without compromising the quality of care. Private hospitals are essential to our health system, but they must operate with fairness, ethics, and accountability. Affordable, transparent healthcare should be a right—not a luxury—for all Malaysians. The time for action is now. The government must introduce decisive policies and take immediate action to curb profiteering and protect patients across the country. Regulation of private hospital charges is not just overdue—it is a matter of public interest and social justice. Datuk Dr Mah Hang Soon MCA Deputy President
The Star
26-04-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Ayer Kuning polls: Barisan victory shows voters favour inclusive and progressive governance, says Dr Wee
PETALING JAYA: Barisan Nasional's victory in the Ayer Kuning by-election demonstrates voters' preference for an inclusive and progressive style of governance, says MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong. "After a fierce three-cornered fight, Barisan's Dr Yusri Bakir successfully won the Ayer Kuning state seat with a majority of 5,506 votes! "Perikatan Nasional's Abd Muhaimin Malek and Parti Sosialis Malaysia's Bawani KS, only garnered 6,059 and 1,106 votes respectively, which clearly demonstrates that local voters favour Barisan's inclusive and progressive style of governance. "Congratulations to Dr Yusri Bakir! May he continue to uphold the spirit of service and lead Ayer Kuning toward a more prosperous and united future!" Dr Wee said in a statement on Saturday (April 26). He also thanked Datuk Dr Mah Hang Soon for his efforts. "I would also like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the entire machinery which has been giving it their all for this campaign. "A special thank you to MCA deputy president and Perak MCA chairman Datuk Dr Mah Hang Soon for leading the MCA machinery in their tireless efforts over the past two weeks to ensure more Chinese voters came out to vote and secure Barisan's final victory. "Appreciation also goes to the teams from Election Commission, volunteers, safety and medical personnel and all who ensured a smooth campaigning and voting process," he said.
