Latest news with #Phua
The Star
10-07-2025
- Business
- The Star
JB folk enjoying cheaper leafy greens
Phua says only fresh red chillies are costlier at his Taman Perling wet market stall. CONSUMERS in Johor Baru have been paying less for leafy green vegetables while prices of non-leafy vegetables have remained stable. Vegetable seller Phua Ming Hui said that only fresh red chillies have gone up in price and are now being sold at RM18 per kg compared to RM16 per kg last month. He said there had been no change to the price of fresh green chillies, which continue to be sold at RM16 per kg. Cameron Highlands round cabbages were being sold for RM8 in May and June, he added. Hendrian: Fewer vegetables exported to Singapore had contributed to drop in prices. 'The price of long purple brinjals has also remained at RM12 for the past two months,' Phua said when met at the Taman Perling wet market in Johor Baru. He said bok choy, kangkung and spinach are now selling for RM6 per kg instead of the earlier price of RM9 per kg. Phua explained that moderate sunshine and rainfall in Johor in recent weeks had contributed to good harvests. 'Non-leafy vegetables such as ladies' fingers are also cheaper, having gone down from RM12 per kg to RM9 per kg. 'Cucumbers are also down, from RM8 per kg to RM5 per kg,' he said. Fellow seller Hendrian Sapriadi said that apart from bountiful harvests, fewer Malaysian vegetables being exported to Singapore had also contributed to cheaper vegetables in Johor. He explained that whenever demand for Malaysian vegetables goes up in the republic, consumers in Johor Baru have to fork out extra ringgit for their greens. 'However, cheaper vegetables have not translated into consumers buying more leafy greens,' he pointed out. Ladies' fingers, French beans, long purple brinjals and fresh red chillies are bestsellers at his stall regardless of price, he shared. Hendrian also said that prices of sayur kampung such as winged beans, tapioca leaves and pucuk paku (fiddlehead ferns) also went down in recent weeks. 'On average, they have been selling for RM12 per kg in April and May whereas now, they are being sold for between RM9 per kg and RM10 per kg,' he said. Malaysian Federation of Vegetable Farmers Associations president Lim Ser Kwee attributed the cheaper prices of greens to good weather conditions in past months. 'Most of our farmers are experiencing a good harvest and this is expected to last until October,' he said. Lim explained that a surplus of vegetables in the market had also caused prices to drop, and that Singapore had reduced buying vegetables from Johor by about 10%. Johor and Pahang are the two main vegetable producing states in Malaysia. Most farms are in Batu Pahat and Simpang Renggam in Johor, and in Pahang's Cameron Highlands.
The Sun
30-06-2025
- Business
- The Sun
MRCA targets RM120m transaction value from Franchise Expo Malaysia 2025
KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Retail Chain Association (MRCA) is targeting RM120 million in transaction value for 8th Franchise Expo Malaysia 2025 (FEM 2025), up 20% from the RM100 million achieved in 2024. MRCA president Datuk Ken Phua said the higher target is driven by record-high international participation and strong local demand. 'We have added 10 overseas countries, including the US, Japan, and the UK. Our existing partners from Thailand and China have also expanded their booths. We are almost fully occupied, which points to a very eventful and successful expo,' he said at a press conference on FEM 2025 today. Furthermore, Phua said, Malaysia's role as Asean chair this year supports regional participation in the event. MRCA welcomes Tourism Malaysia as a supporting partner to connect FEM with the tourism ecosystem. 'Tourists visiting Malaysia are not just here for sightseeing but also for cultural and shopping experiences. They are potential franchise investors too,' Phua said. FEM 2025 will be held at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre from Aug 21 to 23. The three-day event is expected to attract about 18,000 visitors and will feature 364 booths across four halls. Phua said this year's theme, 'Invest in the Future', highlights opportunities in digitalisation, tourism recovery, and regional integration. 'The theme captures the essence of what lies ahead. Strong consumer spending and the strengthening ringgit have created fertile ground for local businesses to thrive.' Turning to other issues, Phua said MRCA and five other business associations met with the Ministry of Finance last Thursday to discuss the planned expansion of the Sales and Service Tax (SST). He added that it had a dialogue with the government to consider deferring or adjusting the SST expansion. 'Eight per cent is really, really very, very significant to our costs. We barely make about 10% to 20% in gross profit. 'So with all these costs involved, our net profit will either dwindle or, in the worst situations, some may have to close their businesses.' Phua said the SST, particularly its application to rental costs, would significantly increase operating expenses for franchisors and franchisees. 'Many of whom manage multiple outlets. Can you imagine the impact that will be having on their operating costs as well as the labour costs that has increased? We are also going to be paying the foreigners 2% EPF as well,' he added. Phua said the government has listened to some of their concerns and already raised the SST registration threshold from RM500,000 to RM1 million. 'But it is not good enough. With SCCIM, ourselves and many other associations, our plea is to have it, in fact, deferred or the threshold level up to RM3 million.' Additionally, Phua said it has also requested a deferment of the electricity tariff increase that is set to start from today. 'At this point, manufacturers, including those exporting, are already facing tariff pressures from the US. A rate hike now is not timely, especially when we are encouraging more entrepreneurial activities.'
Straits Times
29-06-2025
- Business
- Straits Times
Corrupt company director relieved to be arrested as he wouldn't need to pay any more bribes: CPIB investigator
Corrupt company director relieved to be arrested as he wouldn't need to pay any more bribes: CPIB investigator Samuel Devaraj The Straits Times June 28, 2025 In 2012, an anonymous letter landed in the mailbox outside the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB) headquarters in Lengkok Bahru. The writer claimed there was an established practice of corruption in a company in the waterproofing and general works industry. Another letter arrived several months later with more information. CPIB officers investigated the claims and unravelled a web involving 89 people, including managing agents, contractors and property agents, who took money from the company documented in financial records as "referral fees". This is one of the highest number of bribe recipients in a corruption case in Singapore, said CPIB. At the centre was the company's director, who adopted this practice so that the recipients would be motivated to recommend his company for future work orders. Between January 2011 and February 2014, he offered bribes of about $461,600 to the 89 people. The individual amounts ranged between $100 and $19,000. In 2016, the then 43-year-old Singaporean director was sentenced to 30 months' jail after pleading guilty to 20 counts of corruption, with 517 other charges taken into consideration. CPIB's deputy director at the enterprise projects office, Mr Phua Meng Geh, was then heading the investigation unit assigned to the case. Speaking to The Straits Times on June 25 at the CPIB headquarters, he said this case highlighted Singapore's intolerance against corruption, no matter the value of the bribe. Mr Phua, who has been with the CPIB for 27 years, added: "I think there is this thinking with many people that a lot of these (business) practices are a way of life. "We are not saying you cannot give tokens of appreciation. What we are saying is if there is a corrupt favour attached to it, then that is where we need to take a very strong stance against it." PHOTO: THE STRAITS TIMES Of the 89, 21 were charged, while the rest were given stern warnings. Eight of the 21 were given jail sentences of between four and 20 weeks. All 21 were fined between $9,000 and $40,000, and were ordered to pay penalties amounting to the gratification they received. Apart from the company director, six of the company's staff received jail terms of between four weeks and 13 months. Six others were handed fines of between $4,000 and $16,000. During court proceedings, it was revealed that some employees were paid fixed salaries, while others received commissions. For those on fixed salaries, the director would pass the "referral fees" to them, and they would hand these to the clients. For those on commission, they had to contribute towards the clients' fees to motivate these sales staff to secure the highest possible contract value. Mr Phua said that after they were called up for investigations, some said the giving of the "referral fees" was a business practice. He added that while the full implications of their actions might not have dawned on them at the time, ignorance is no excuse under the law, especially for an act like corruption. He noted that the company director had said when the firm was small that the sums of money were given as a token of appreciation. Mr Phua said: "When he first started out, his business wasn't that fantastic. He realised that by giving small tokens of appreciation, it helped his business a lot." As his business grew to become one of the more established players in the waterproofing industry here, those receiving bribes demanded more money. When the director was arrested, Mr Phua said the man was relieved he would not need to continue paying the bribes. Following the case, Mr Phua said CPIB stepped up its anti-corruption educational efforts within the building and maintenance industry, and engaged the Association of Property and Facility Managers, and the Association of Strata Managers. Mr Phua reminded managing agents to have transparent dealings with contractors. For the business community, he said that if they start offering such payments, then they will end up paying more and more until their business does not become viable. Highlighting the consequences of such practices, he added that the victims are home owners who may have to pay more after the inflated fees are paid by the Management Corporation Strata Title. Mr Phua said: "If left unchecked, the managing agent who receives money would eventually become beholden to the contractors and could be forced to return the favour by bending rules or closing an eye here or there. "Some of this may amount to safety breaches." He cited the example of managing agents who need to ensure safety measures are in place for workers and residents when carrying out works involving the use of scaffolding. "When they start deviating on some of these things in return for 'referral fees', the consequences can be severe," said Mr Phua. The number of workplace deaths in Singapore rose from 36 in 2023 to 43 in 2024. One of the top causes was the collapse or breakdown of structures and equipment, said the Ministry of Manpower. Highlighting Singapore's zero-tolerance stance against corruption, Mr Vincent Lim, deputy director at CPIB, said it will take action against anyone for offering or receiving bribes. He added: "Those who resort to corrupt means to get ahead in businesses will face the consequences under the law." Click here to contribute a story or submit it to our WhatsApp Get more of Stomp's latest updates by following us on:
New Paper
29-06-2025
- Business
- New Paper
How letter to CPIB exposed bribery case with 89 people linked to waterproofing firm
In 2012, an anonymous letter landed in the mailbox outside the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB) headquarters in Lengkok Bahru. The writer claimed there was an established practice of corruption in a company in the waterproofing and general works industry. Another letter arrived several months later with more information. CPIB officers investigated the claims and unravelled a web involving 89 people, including managing agents, contractors and property agents, who took money from the company documented in financial records as "referral fees". This is one of the highest number of bribe recipients in a corruption case in Singapore, said CPIB. At the centre was the company's director, who adopted this practice so that the recipients would be motivated to recommend his company for future work orders. Between January 2011 and February 2014, he offered bribes of about $461,600 to the 89 people. The individual amounts ranged between $100 and $19,000. In 2016, the then 43-year-old Singaporean director was sentenced to 30 months' jail after pleading guilty to 20 counts of corruption, with 517 other charges taken into consideration. CPIB's deputy director at the enterprise projects office, Mr Phua Meng Geh, was then heading the investigation unit assigned to the case. Speaking to The Straits Times on June 25 at the CPIB headquarters, he said this case highlighted Singapore's intolerance against corruption, no matter the value of the bribe. Mr Phua, who has been with the CPIB for 27 years, added: "I think there is this thinking with many people that a lot of these (business) practices are a way of life. "We are not saying you cannot give tokens of appreciation. What we are saying is if there is a corrupt favour attached to it, then that is where we need to take a very strong stance against it." Of the 89, 21 were charged, while the rest were given stern warnings. Eight of the 21 were given jail sentences of between four and 20 weeks. All 21 were fined between $9,000 and $40,000, and were ordered to pay penalties amounting to the gratification they received. Apart from the company director, six of the company's staff received jail terms of between four weeks and 13 months. Six others were handed fines of between $4,000 and $16,000. During court proceedings, it was revealed that some employees were paid fixed salaries, while others received commissions. For those on fixed salaries, the director would pass the "referral fees" to them, and they would hand these to the clients. For those on commission, they had to contribute towards the clients' fees to motivate these sales staff to secure the highest possible contract value. Mr Phua said that after they were called up for investigations, some said the giving of the "referral fees" was a business practice. He added that while the full implications of their actions might not have dawned on them at the time, ignorance is no excuse under the law, especially for an act like corruption. He noted that the company director had said when the firm was small that the sums of money were given as a token of appreciation. Mr Phua said: "When he first started out, his business wasn't that fantastic. He realised that by giving small tokens of appreciation, it helped his business a lot." As his business grew to become one of the more established players in the waterproofing industry here, those receiving bribes demanded more money. When the director was arrested, Mr Phua said the man was relieved he would not need to continue paying the bribes. Following the case, Mr Phua said CPIB stepped up its anti-corruption educational efforts within the building and maintenance industry, and engaged the Association of Property and Facility Managers, and the Association of Strata Managers. Mr Phua reminded managing agents to have transparent dealings with contractors. For the business community, he said that if they start offering such payments, then they will end up paying more and more until their business does not become viable. Highlighting the consequences of such practices, he added that the victims are home owners who may have to pay more after the inflated fees are paid by the Management Corporation Strata Title. Mr Phua said: "If left unchecked, the managing agent who receives money would eventually become beholden to the contractors and could be forced to return the favour by bending rules or closing an eye here or there. "Some of this may amount to safety breaches." He cited the example of managing agents who need to ensure safety measures are in place for workers and residents when carrying out works involving the use of scaffolding. "When they start deviating on some of these things in return for 'referral fees', the consequences can be severe," said Mr Phua. The number of workplace deaths in Singapore rose from 36 in 2023 to 43 in 2024. One of the top causes was the collapse or breakdown of structures and equipment, said the Ministry of Manpower. Highlighting Singapore's zero-tolerance stance against corruption, Mr Vincent Lim, deputy director at CPIB, said it will take action against anyone for offering or receiving bribes. He added: "Those who resort to corrupt means to get ahead in businesses will face the consequences under the law."
Straits Times
15-06-2025
- General
- Straits Times
Wife from China left him over special-needs son, divorced cancer survivor now gets by on CPF and subisidies
Wife from China left him over special-needs son, divorced cancer survivor now gets by on CPF and subisidies Stephanie Yeo The Straits Times June 14, 2025 When Mr Ben Phua, 69, takes a bus with Zai Quan, 14, strangers sometimes compliment the boy's striking eyes and thick lashes. "They say Zai Quan is so handsome and they ask, 'Is this your grandson?' I say, 'No, this is my son,'" he says. The divorced retiree is the sole caregiver of his only child, who was born with an extra chromosome, resulting in multiple disabilities. While Zai Quan can walk, he is non-verbal and relies on his father for everyday activities. Mr Phua never intended to get married, much less become a father. Looking for love was a luxury for the bachelor, who worked long hours as a building technician, among other roles. In his spare time, he upgraded himself through night classes at the former Vocational and Industrial Training Board. At his mother's behest, he married a 26-year-old Chinese national in 2009 within weeks of being introduced to her. He was then 53. The couple were blindsided when their baby was born with special needs in November 2010, he says. The doctor had not alerted them to any abnormalities. The stress of raising Zai Quan created a rift in their marriage and his former wife left their marital home several times over the years. Their divorce was finalised in May 2020 and Mr Phua had sole custody of their then 10-year-old son. He quit his job as a mechanical and engineering site supervisor in the construction industry to take care of his son in late 2019. Six months later, he had to undergo surgery for Stage 2 prostate cancer. Unhappy with his domestic helper's quarrelsome ways, he let her go in 2021 and took over caring for Zai Quan full-time in their three-room flat in Ang Mo Kio. PHOTO: THE STRAITS TIMES Their daily routine is simple but stressful, Mr Phua says. Zai Quan tends to wake up late if he has trouble sleeping, which is more often than not these days. So, Mr Phua feeds the boy a cup of Milo in between getting him ready to board the school bus to Minds Fernvale Gardens School in the late morning. If his son manages to wake up early, he reheats for him the food he cooked the previous night. While Zai Quan is in school, Mr Phua does household chores, including washing clothes his son may have soiled, and makes dinner. The self-taught cook says his early meals "cannot make it", but now, he knows his way around seasonings and considers his fried chicken and pork "quite tasty, very nice". He mashes his son's food by hand as he has no blender. Once Zai Quan returns home in the late afternoon, it is time for him to eat and shower before being tucked into bed between 10pm and midnight. Mr Phua says his movements have been slower since his hernia operation in 2023, making daily tasks a challenge. During a particularly trying period two years ago, he had to postpone his operation as his son fell sick with flu and had to be hospitalised for two weeks. Later, he scrambled to find a place for Zai Quan to stay while he himself was admitted for his surgery, and was relieved when Assisi Hospice accepted the boy for about 90 days, especially since he had post-operation complications. On some days, he admits, he just runs out of steam. "I fall asleep when I'm eating," he says. When he wakes up with a start, he rushes to bathe his son before his bedtime. He relies on his Central Provident Fund retirement account savings to get by, as well as help from government initiatives such as ComCare, a social safety net for lower-income families, and social service agency Singapore Cancer Society, plus subsidies from various organisations. The team from cancer non-profit 365 Cancer Prevention Society, which used to dispense financial assistance to Mr Phua, currently supports him and his son with home visits, as well as texts and phone calls. Father and son enjoy the occasional day out, thanks to activities organised by the cancer society and Club Rainbow, a charity that supports children with chronic illnesses. Mr Phua also looks forward to receiving vegetables and dry groceries every month from the residents' committee. He says "it is not easy" to take care of a child with special needs, listing the never-ending inconveniences he has to bear, from cleaning faeces off clothing to keeping his temper in check when his son refuses to obey. But when he is reading from a poster of fruits to Zai Quan for the photo shoot, he reveals a different side. PHOTO: THE STRAITS TIMES A big smile replaces his frown as he hugs his son. His voice softens. Zai Quan sits in rapt attention when his father talks to him, smiling and grunting. This means that he is happy, Mr Phua says. If only he had the time to read to his son every day, he laments. There is just too much to do at home. With the boy turning 15 in November and Mr Phua almost in his seventh decade, the issue of who will take care of his son weighs heavily on his mind. The second of four siblings, Mr Phua worries that Zai Quan will end up in a nursing home, where he will have no intellectual stimulation. Turning to his son, he says: "Papa's last wish is to find a good home for you." Click here to contribute a story or submit it to our WhatsApp Get more of Stomp's latest updates by following us on:
