Latest news with #MahHangSoon
BusinessToday
11 hours ago
- 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.
The Star
23-04-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Ayer Kuning polls: Barisan's Yusri reaches out on social media to show young voters what he can offer
KAMPAR: With the Ayer Kuning by-election fast approaching, Barisan Nasional candidate Dr Mohamad Yusri Bakir says the coalition is doubling its efforts to reach out to voters. The Tapah Umno secretary said on-ground campaigning will continue while an appeal is being sent out via various social media platforms urging outstation voters to come back and cast their ballots on Saturday (April 26). ALSO READ: Economic boost a key agenda in manifesto "We will continue with door-to-door campaigning, and also... other ways to reach out to the people. "One of the (better) ways to reach the younger generation nowadays is through social media," he told a press conference after an interview session with MCA deputy president Datuk Dr Mah Hang Soon here on Wednesday (April 23). "There are also the older generation (on social media), but the younger ones are more prone to using it. "They will get to see what I can offer them," he said, adding that people could follow him on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook and other platforms. ALSO READ: Ayer Kuning polls: EC targets over 70% turnout on April 26 The Perak state by-election was called following the passing of Barisan incumbent Ishsam Shahruddin in February. In GE15, Ishsam polled 9,088 votes and won by a 2,213-vote majority, defeating Pakatan Harapan's Mohd Nazri Hashim, Perikatan Nasional's Muhammad Noor Farid, Pejuang's Maziah Salim, and Parti Sosialis Malaysia's KS Bawani. On Saturday, Yusri will be up against Bawani and Perikatan's Abd Muhaimin Malek.
