Latest news with #NationalConsumerFoundationMalaysia
Borneo Post
22-07-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Delayed liquor licence approvals affect businesses in Sabah
David Chan KOTA KINABALU (July 22): The National Consumer Foundation Malaysia (YPNM) expresses serious concern over the prolonged delays in issuing liquor licences to traders and entertainment outlet operators in Kota Kinabalu and other parts of Sabah. These unnecessary bureaucratic holdups have disrupted business operations, strained financial resources, and risked the livelihoods of many small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) owners. 'We have received feedback from affected business owners who are unable to commence operations despite having met all application requirements. Many are facing continuous rental obligations and operational costs while waiting for licensing approvals that, in some cases, have taken several months. This situation not only jeopardizes the sustainability of their businesses but also undermines investor confidence and local economic recovery efforts post-pandemic,' said YPNM Sabah chairman David Chan. He urges the relevant licensing authorities to take establish a clear and transparent approval timeline for all liquor licence applications, implement an online tracking system to allow applicants to monitor the status of their submissions in real time, provide interim licences or temporary approvals for businesses whose applications have been delayed without valid explanation and allocate additional manpower or streamline internal procedures to address backlogs and improve processing efficiency. 'While we understand the need for responsible regulation of alcohol sales, licensing processes must not become tools of delay or administrative negligence. Regulatory efficiency is key to protecting consumer interests and promoting fair business practices,' added Chan in a statement on Tuesday. YPNM stands in solidarity with affected traders and calls on the State Government and relevant departments to uphold good governance by resolving this matter urgently and transparently.
Borneo Post
28-06-2025
- Automotive
- Borneo Post
Consumer group seeks clear guidelines on reporting reckless driving safely
David Chan KOTA KINABALU (June 28): The National Consumer Foundation Malaysia (Sabah Chapter) appreciates the recent remarks by Transport Minister Anthony Loke, encouraging the public to record and report incidents of reckless driving involving buses and lorries. This proactive call to public participation is commendable and timely, said chairman of the consumer group, David Chan. However, he said many responsible motorists have voiced valid concerns: 1. How can ordinary drivers safely take photos or record videos of dangerous bus or lorry drivers while driving without risking a traffic offence themselves? The public is uncertain whether such actions, even when done with good intentions, may violate traffic laws. 2. Use of Mobile Phones While Driving: It is well known that the Road Transport Department (JPJ) strictly prohibits the use of handphones while driving, and such usage may result in a summons or compound fine, as it poses serious risks to road safety. 3. Risk of Road Accidents: Attempting to photograph or record reckless drivers while in motion may distract motorists, potentially causing accidents or putting lives in danger, especially on highways or narrow roads. In light of the above, the National Consumer Foundation calls upon Loke and the Ministry of Transport to issue a clear guideline on: When and how the public can legally and safely capture footage of reckless commercial vehicle drivers; Whether dashcams and passenger-recorded videos are the recommended method for gathering such evidence; Whether such evidence will be officially accepted by JPJ and APAD for enforcement actions. 'We support the Transport Minister's call for public engagement in enhancing road safety. However, it must be done without compromising legal compliance or public safety. 'We urge the ministry to consider launching a nationwide awareness campaign, encouraging the use of safe recording tools such as dashcams and providing proper reporting channels such as a mobile app or online platform,' said Chan in a statement on Saturday. 'We believe consumer safety on Malaysian roads is a shared responsibility. While enforcement authorities must act firmly against rogue drivers and negligent transport operators, the public should be empowered — not penalized — for doing the right thing,' he added.
Daily Express
16-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
Sabah group urges delay in SST expansion
Published on: Monday, June 16, 2025 Published on: Mon, Jun 16, 2025 Text Size: Chan said the tax expansion has created an unexpected burden for small businesses already struggling with challenging economic conditions. Kota Kinabalu: The National Consumer Foundation Malaysia (Sabah Chapter) wants the Federal Government to postpone the recent expansion of the Sales and Services Tax (SST), citing severe financial pressure on local traders and contractors. Its Chairman David Chan said the tax expansion has created an unexpected burden for small businesses already struggling with challenging economic conditions. Advertisement 'The current economic climate is already marked by global trade uncertainties, weakening consumer spending, and job cuts,' David said in a statement, here, Saturday. He said contractors have been particularly hard hit, reporting sharp increases in operating and capital expenditure since the SST expansion took effect. Many businesses are now struggling with cash flow problems, finding it difficult to service loans and meet project commitments. He said continued financial pressure on small and medium enterprises could have broader economic consequences. 'Imposing further financial stress on the backbone of our local economy may lead to a cascading effect on employment and national productivity,' he said. He called for a grace period that would allow affected businesses to reassess their financial commitments, engage with financial institutions and realign their cost structures. He said local business operators are vital to the nation's supply chains, infrastructure development, and employment creation, arguing that a compassionate and pragmatic policy approach is needed now more than ever. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Daily Express
14-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
Call to speed up renewable energy development to meet zero carbon target
Published on: Saturday, June 14, 2025 Published on: Sat, Jun 14, 2025 Text Size: Chan urged the State Government to invest in renewable energy infrastructure, including solar, hydro, wind and biomass sources. Kota Kinabalu: The National Consumer Foundation Malaysia (Sabah Chapter) has called on the State Government to accelerate the development of renewable energy in line with Petronas' net zero carbon emissions goal by 2050. Its Chairman David Chan, said the foundation commended the company's long-term roadmap focused on clean energy, methane reduction and carbon capture, describing it as a benchmark for both public and private sectors in Malaysia. Advertisement 'As an oil and gas producing state, Sabah must not be left behind. Without a clear transition plan, we risk economic penalties, job losses and reduced competitiveness as global carbon pricing measures such as taxes and emission caps become the norm,' he said in a statement on Thursday. Chan urged the State Government to invest in renewable energy infrastructure, including solar, hydro, wind and biomass sources. He also called for greater support for electric vehicle adoption, cleaner public transportation and the development of green industrial zones built on low-carbon standards. 'We need greater investment in local research and development, as well as training in renewable energy technologies—especially among our youth and through Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions,' Chan said. Citing China as an example, Chan noted that cities like Shenzhen and Shanghai have drastically reduced pollution levels and achieved widespread electric vehicle usage due to strong government intervention. He warned that without decisive action, Sabah could miss out on the economic and environmental benefits of a clean energy transition. 'Sabah must act now, not later. The people deserve a future powered by clean energy, green jobs and sustainable growth,' he said. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Borneo Post
13-06-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
More calls to postpone SST expansion amid economic struggles
David Chan KOTA KINABALU (June 13): The federal government's intention to expand the Sales and Services Tax (SST) on July 1 has received more negative reactions in Sabah with more calls for its postponement. The National Consumer Foundation Malaysia (Sabah Chapter) expresses deep concern as it will inevitably worsen the cost of living for ordinary Malaysians. 'We are witnessing a continuous rise in daily expenses – from basic food items to essential services – and any increase in SST will directly impact business operating costs. These costs will be passed on to consumers, compounding financial hardship at a time when wages remain stagnant and employment insecurity is rising,' said its chairman, David Chan. He said the recent announcement by Petronas to cut 5,000 jobs is a significant signal of economic strain. As global markets are rattled by a prolonged trade war and rising import tariffs – particularly from the United States – Malaysia is not spared. The ripple effects are already being felt across multiple sectors, from manufacturing to logistics. 'At a time when the rakyat are already grappling with inflation and reduced purchasing power, we urge the Federal Government to defer any expansion of SST until the economy stabilises and international trade tensions ease. 'Instead, the focus should be on revitalising the domestic economy, protecting jobs, and ensuring affordable access to goods and services. Any tax adjustment should only be implemented with clear impact studies and mitigation plans to protect the low- and middle-income groups,' he said. 'Let us not burden the rakyat further in the name of fiscal reform. Economic recovery must be people-centred, and taxation policy must reflect the current realities faced by consumers and businesses alike,' Chan added. Junz Wong Warisan Vice President Datuk Junz Wong has strongly recommended the federal government to reconsider the decision, reminding that the move will impose unnecessary hardship on businesses and consumers, especially in Sabah. In a statement today, Wong questioned the rationale behind implementing such a far-reaching policy with less than three weeks' notice, calling it 'abrupt and confusing.' 'The government must explain why this drastic SST expansion is being rushed through. What is the urgency? Why weren't businesses given more time to adapt? Many don't even know what is taxed at 5%, 10%, or exempted,' said Wong. 'And we all know what happens next as ruthless and clueless merchants will simply apply the highest tax rate across their product range, passing the burden to consumers and families.' He stressed that Sabahans do not support the expansion of the SST regime and called for it to be reviewed immediately. Wong also questioned the fiscal position of Madani government. 'Is our government so cash-strapped that it now needs to extract more money from the people and SMEs?' he asked. 'Malaysians are suffering for years of Covid post effects, yet now rakyat and businesses must now carry the burden.' Wong further warned that Malaysia risks losing its business-friendly reputation in the region. 'This SST regime, combined with already burdensome regulations and tax compliance, is making Malaysia an expensive country to do business in,' he said. 'How do we expect to remain competitive in ASEAN when others are streamlining their systems and lowering costs while we keep adding more layers of taxation and red tape?' He warned that the expansion of SST may discourage foreign direct investments (FDIs) and even lead existing ones to exit Malaysia. 'Investors will think twice. Why stay in Malaysia when doing business here gets costlier and more complicated every year?' he asked. 'With the exit of FDIs, our economy will shrink, unemployment will rise, and inflation will worsen because we'll be forced to import more goods that could have been manufactured locally.' 'What happens to our palm oil, our coffee, our cocoa and other agricultural plantations? Instead of developing downstream industries, we'll go back to exporting raw materials and importing expensive finished goods.' Wong asked the federal government to lay out a long-term economic strategy. 'Madani government must show that they have real vision for Malaysia's future and not just obsessed with taxing businesses and people to fill the coffers?' Wong further questioned the silence of the Sabah GRS-PH government, accusing them of being too busy with issues like political survival, mining and logging to stand up for Sabahans. 'Sabahans are struggling. Small businesses are struggling. But does the GRS-led Sabah government care about Sabahans? 'Enough is enough. The rakyat should not be punished further by policies that are ill-timed, ill-planned. 'You cannot grow the economy by keep taxing it.'
