SME group: KPDN failed to consult us on Op Gasak [WATCH]

KUALA LUMPUR: Small and medium enterprise (SME) associations should be involved in industry policymaking from the outset, rather than only being consulted after decisions are made.
SME Association of Malaysia president Dr Chin Chee Seong cited a recent policy briefing by the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) as a positive example, where associations were invited to provide early feedback before any policy changes were finalised.
"That kind of engagement is good for both sides," he told the NST's Beyond the Headlines.
"We want to be involved from day one—before policies are drafted or approved—so we can help shape regulations that are fair and practical for small businesses. It becomes much harder to make changes once a policy is already in place."
However, he said this level of engagement was lacking from the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry (KPDN), particularly in the context of enforcement operations such as Op Gasak.
"Other ministries are more proactive. We work closely with Miti (Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry), Matrade (Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation), the Digital Ministry, Communications Ministry—even LHDN (Inland Revenue Board) and Customs. They engage SMEs regularly, maybe because their portfolios are more business-focused," Chin said.
"But with KPDN, not so much. I've even written to them requesting a meeting, but there's been no response. Maybe they feel it's not part of their KPI. But they should engage us—many of our members deal directly with consumers, and we can provide important feedback."
Op Gasak, which runs from May 1 to Oct 31, aims to curb illegal activities such as gas decanting (transferring LPG from subsidised to non-subsidised cylinders), smuggling, and the misuse of subsidised LPG by medium and large-scale businesses.
Under the operation, eateries, including hawker stalls, are required to use the 14kg purple-coloured commercial gas cylinders priced at RM70.
On Thursday, however, the government announced that micro and small-scale food and retail businesses may continue using subsidised liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinders without a Scheduled Controlled Goods Permit (PBKB) until October.
Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali said the exemption would remain in effect throughout the Op Gasak enforcement period and until amendments to the Control of Supplies (Amendment) Regulations 2021 are finalised.
On Thursday, however, the government announced that micro and small-scale food and retail businesses may continue using subsidised liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinders without a Scheduled Controlled Goods Permit (PBKB) until October.
Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali said the exemption would remain in effect throughout the Op Gasak enforcement period and until amendments to the Control of Supplies (Amendment) Regulations 2021 are finalised.

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Learn with AIFact CheckingText to SpeechAI Summary

Related Articles

Malaysian Reserve

7 hours ago

• Malaysian Reserve

Review of e-commerce laws to be completed by August

THE review of e-commerce legislation, which began in April last year to develop a more responsive legal framework for regulating the industry and protecting consumer interests, is expected to be completed by August. Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali (picture) said the review is now in its final phase before the recommendations are submitted to the Cabinet for approval and subsequently tabled in Parliament for the drafting or amendment of relevant laws. He said the key laws under the ministry's jurisdiction include the Consumer Protection Act 1999 and the Electronic Commerce Act 2006. 'Our aim is to finalise the review by the end of this year, including securing Cabinet approval on whether to introduce a new legal framework or amend existing laws to make them more conducive, comprehensive, and relevant to current challenges,' he told reporters after launching the Sabah-level 2025 Business Digitalisation Programme at Universiti Malaysia Sabah today. Armizan added that the review also seeks to identify gaps in existing legislation, assess regulatory scope, and benchmark Malaysia's e-commerce laws against international practices He said the review also considers issues and needs of both the industry and consumers, and will propose new legislation or amendments along with the most effective regulatory approach for Malaysia's e-commerce landscape. 'At present, there is no direct regulation of platform operators or sellers in the e-commerce space. No decision has been made yet on whether to introduce a licensing regime or adopt a compliance-based approach. 'Our objective is not merely to establish a legal framework, but to create a regulatory mechanism that supports the growth of businesses using e-commerce platforms. We do not want future legislation to become a hindrance to the sector's potential,' he said. Armizan also announced that a townhall session with industry players will be held on July 17 to gather feedback and input on the proposed regulatory framework. He said several engagement sessions have already taken place, involving 63 entities from the public and private sectors, as well as industry representatives, in addition to surveys with e-commerce firms and users. 'All feedback obtained from these engagements and the review process will be thoroughly analysed and consolidated into comprehensive policy recommendations,' he said. Armizan noted that the e-commerce sector is projected to generate RM1.65 trillion in revenue this year. — BERNAMA

Borneo Post

7 hours ago

• Borneo Post

SIS did not use ‘Islam' in company registration, says minister

Armizan (third right) presenting an SSM CSR contribution to one of the recipients. KOTA KINABALU (June 21): A check has confirmed that women's rights group Sisters in Islam (SIS) did not use the word 'Islam' in its official company registration, said Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali. Armizan said the organisation was registered in 1993 as a Company Limited by Guarantee (CLBG) under the name SIS Forum (Malaysia) in accordance with the Companies Act 2016. He explained that under the Act, the word 'Islam' is considered a controlled term. Any company wishing to use it must seek clearance from the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (Jakim). 'From Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry's jurisdiction, specifically through the Companies Commission of Malaysia (SSM), the registered name was SIS Forum (Malaysia) and did not include the word 'Islam'. Therefore, we did not refer the matter to Jakim,' he said at a press conference after launching the Sabah-level 2025 Digital Business Programme at Universiti Malaysia Sabah on Saturday. Armizan also disclosed that a total of 77,546 companies have been incorporated and 1,676 Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs) registered across Sabah to date. He said the figures were based on Companies Commission of Malaysia (SSM) statistics as of May 31 this year. 'This total does not include companies registered under the state's own legal framework, namely the Trade Licencing Ordinance 1948. Of the overall total, 31,110 companies and 1,510 LLPs are currently active. 'In Kota Kinabalu alone, 39,525 companies have been incorporated and 1,118 LLPs registered during the same period, of which 15,331 companies and 1,003 LLPs are active,' he said. He said PPP25 is a new initiative by SSM aimed at supporting the business development agenda for B40 entrepreneurs and aspiring business owners through digitalisation. 'The main focus is to provide participants with exposure to the benefits and importance of digitalisation in expanding markets, enhancing productivity, and improving product quality. 'The use of digital technology such as media and e-commerce platforms not only increases operational efficiency but also opens up wider market access, both locally and internationally,' he added. The Sabah programme marks the first of three PPP25 series planned for this year, with the remaining two to be held in Penang and Terengganu. During the event, SSM also presented Corporate Zakat Wakalah (WZK) contributions worth RM107,518 and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) donations totaling RM45,000 to underprivileged recipients.

Borneo Post

7 hours ago

• Borneo Post

E-commerce law review to tackle online consumer complaints, strengthen regulation

Armizan (centre) speaking at the press conference. KOTA KINABALU (June 21): The Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry (KPDN) is currently reviewing the Electronic Commerce Act 2006 to ensure it remains relevant and effective in addressing modern challenges in the digital marketplace. Its minister, Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali, said a study is underway and expected to conclude by August, after which the ministry will propose whether to introduce a new legal framework or amend the existing Act. He highlighted that the ministry received over 10,000 consumer complaints last year related to e-commerce transactions, particularly concerning fake or misleading products. 'At present, there are no direct regulations for e-commerce operators or sellers, especially those not registered or based in Malaysia,' he said. 'Among the suggestions received are to implement a licensing regime or set compliance standards for these platforms.' To gather further input, Armizan will host a Town Hall session on July 17 involving key stakeholders. Any proposed legislative changes will then be presented to the Cabinet, with a final decision expected by year-end. Speaking after officiating the Sabah-level 2025 Digital Business Programme at Universiti Malaysia Sabah on Saturday, Armizan clarified that the ministry's goal is to support — not burden — the industry. Citing data from the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM), he said the e-commerce sector contributed RM248.4 billion or 13.6 percent to the national GDP. Earnings from the sector also rose by six percent, from RM1.07 trillion in 2021 to RM1.09 trillion. He emphasised the importance of a clear and comprehensive legal framework that benefits all parties — consumers, sellers, platform operators and enforcement agencies. 'Many local entrepreneurs depend on e-commerce platforms. A well-defined legal structure will help protect and empower them while allowing for effective enforcement,' he added.