Small food businesses need more clarity on new LPG rules, says Bung
KOTA KINABALU: A call has been made for the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry to adopt a more transparent and responsible approach in enforcing Ops Gasak.
The concern, raised by Sabah Umno chief Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin ( pic ), centres particularly on the requirement for food premises to use commercial liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinders.
Bung Moktar highlighted that the lack of clarity surrounding the operation had caused confusion and anxiety among small food operators, especially in Sabah.
"The people of Sabah, particularly small traders in the food sector, are now anxious and uncertain over the ministry's move to make the use of commercial LPG mandatory for food premises.
"This concern stems from a lack of clear and comprehensive information on the implementation of Ops Gasak, leading to misunderstandings and unease among small food businesses," he said in a statement on Monday (June 9).
The Sabah Barisan Nasional chief also called for greater transparency from the ministry, stressing that any weaknesses or confusion in implementation should not be concealed but dealt with openly and responsibly.
Urging the ministry to address public concerns through a more inclusive and trader-friendly approach, he added that the state government must also play a proactive role in explaining the matter to the public, especially in providing complete information and assisting small traders with the application process for the Scheduled Controlled Goods Permit (PBKB).
He stressed that if the government believes domestic cooking gas is no longer suitable for use in certain food outlets, then the rationale, guidelines, and enforcement conditions must be clearly outlined.
"This will avoid confusion and unfairness in implementation,' he said.
Bung Moktar further emphasised the importance of balancing regulatory enforcement with on-the-ground realities.
"This balance is key to effective administration and the people's wellbeing. I urge all parties involved to show greater commitment in addressing this issue thoroughly, fairly, and prudently," he said.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Star
an hour ago
- The Star
Dr Wee: Top brass will weigh grassroots' views on future of MCA
KUALA LUMPUR: MCA's top leadership will take into account feedback from the grassroots before making any decision on the party's future direction, says party president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong. He was responding to resolutions passed unanimously by several MCA divisions during their annual general meetings calling for Barisan Nasional (BN) to be dissolved. MCA's 191 divisions are currently holding meetings to propose resolutions on the party's future. The resolutions urged the party to transform itself into an independent national political entity and contest future general elections under the MCA logo. They also firmly rejected any form of political cooperation with DAP. Dr Wee said the MCA Central Committee would carefully consider the views expressed by grassroots members. 'The party leadership will listen to the voices on the ground. I myself have visited several states to engage with members and hear their views. (Left to Right) Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong, Michael Soo and Raphael Tay delivering a special address and attending the book launch of Malaysia Business Law Review at a talk on Navigating the Impact of Tariffs on China-Malaysia Trade. — AZLINA ABDULLAH/The Star 'When the time comes to decide, the Central Committee will make its decision,' he said after attending the Malaysian Business Law Review book launch yesterday. Dr Wee said June is the month when MCA state-level divisions hold their annual general meetings, and these provide a good opportunity to gauge wider sentiments. Dr Wee stressed that while the leadership respects the grassroots members' views, the party's immediate focus is preparing for the upcoming state elections. 'With a few state polls approaching, MCA's priority now is to be well-prepared for those contests,' he said. All MCA divisions across the peninsula and in Sabah are currently convening for their annual general meetings (AGMs), with state-level AGMs scheduled for next month. The party does not have a presence in Sarawak. However, Barisan chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi in an earlier statement said he was confident that MCA would remain in the coalition, despite possible calls within the party to push for a departure. Meanwhile, on the tariffs imposed by the US administration on Malaysian goods, Dr Wee, who is also Ayer Hitam MP, said the three-month grace period would end on July 9. 'Only then will we fully understand the extent of the impact. Negotiations are ongoing, and I wish Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz, who is currently in Washington DC leading the talks, and the Malaysian delegation all the best,' he said. Dr Wee pointed out that Malaysia's trade deficit with the US stands at just 5.6% – a far cry from the 47% figure previously cited by American officials. 'There is a significant disparity in the data. Dialogue is the way forward that would serve the interests of both nations.' Malaysia faces a 24% tariff on certain exports to the US unless both sides can reach an agreement before the 90-day pause. Separately, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim revealed that ongoing negotiations with the US over its unilateral tariffs are progressing well. Earlier, Dr Wee officiated the launch of the Malaysian Business Law Review, a joint publication by RDS Partnership and DeHeng Law Office. The book aims to provide Chinese investors with accessible, Mandarin-language insights into Malaysia's business legal landscape. He said the book's focus on key areas such as corporate law, intellectual property, taxation and employment law makes it a valuable reference for investors. 'The use of Mandarin enhances accessibility for Chinese-speaking legal professionals and helps position Malaysian legal perspectives within the broader Belt and Road legal discourse,' he said.
The Star
14 hours ago
- The Star
Fomca lauds new 'B40-friendly' electricity tariffs
KUALA LUMPUR: The Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations (Fomca) has expressed full support for the implementation of the new electricity tariff structure under Regulatory Period 4 (RP4). The new tariffs will take effect from July 1, 2025, to Dec 31, 2027, under the Incentive-Based Regulation (IBR) framework. Describing it as timely, progressive and beneficial for Malaysian households, Fomca chief executive officer Dr T. Saravanan said the new tariffs reflects a fairer and more transparent energy pricing system. "This initiative comes at a crucial time when many households are facing financial pressures due to inflation and the rising cost of living," he said. Saravanan said the revised tariff structure reduces the average base tariff from 45.62 sen/kWh to 45.40 sen/kWh, contributing to an estimated 19% reduction in total average electricity costs compared to the previous regulatory period. Although the rate cut may appear marginal, he said it is supported by structural reforms that provide greater protection to domestic consumers, particularly those in the B40 and M40 income groups. Saravanan said the introduction of the "Energy Efficiency Incentive" allows households that consume 1,000 kWh or less per month to avoid any tariff increase, thereby rewarding energy-efficient users and encouraging responsible consumption. "The updated structure also includes a more detailed billing system, with breakdowns of energy generation, network usage, capacity charges, and retail costs. "This level of transparency empowers consumers to understand their bills better and provides clarity on how costs are derived," he said. The expanded "Time of Use" scheme now includes weekends and off-peak weekday hours from 10pm to 2pm the next day, enabling consumers to enjoy further savings by shifting high-usage activities to these periods. Fomca also welcomed continued protection for vulnerable groups, including a RM40 monthly rebate for hardcore poor households under the e-Kasih programme, and dedicated tariffs for the agriculture, water, sanitation, and rail sectors. A 10% rebate for educational institutions, places of worship, and registered welfare homes will also remain in place. Saravanan said the replacement of the Imbalance Cost Pass-Through mechanism with the new Automatic Fuel Adjustment system would enhance price responsiveness to global fuel and currency movements. He however stressed the need for clear communication on any resulting price changes. He urged the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry to step up enforcement against unjustified price hikes in essential goods that may be triggered by the tariff adjustment. "Fomca will continue to monitor the implementation closely and advocate for ongoing consumer engagement, education and regulatory enforcement to maximise the impact of this policy reform," he said. The Energy Commission on Friday (June 20) announced that starting July 1, 2025, over 23.6 million domestic users in Peninsular Malaysia will benefit from fairer and more progressive electricity rates under the newly approved tariff schedule for Regulatory Period 4 (2025-2027). This includes changes to the average base tariff rate, the tariff structure and the fuel cost adjustment mechanism, implemented under the Incentive-Based Regulation framework. – Bernama
Barnama
14 hours ago
- Barnama
Mobile Rahmah Sale At Bawang Assan Community Hall Tomorrow
SIBU, June 20 (Bernama) -- The Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry (KPDN) in Sibu will organise a mobile Rahmah Sale at the Bawang Assan Community Hall, here, tomorrow (Saturday, June 21). Irene Wong, special assistant to Sibu MP Oscar Ling Chai Yew, said the mobile sale will offer a variety of selected daily necessities at special prices to reduce the burden on the people's cost of living. 'The sale has received overwhelming response from the community as it directly benefits consumers by offering quality goods at lower prices,' she said in a statement today.
