Tag: global economic

FOMCA Calls For Stronger Monitoring Following SKDS Expansion

KUALA LUMPUR, May 23 -- The Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations (FOMCA) has called on the government to strengthen monitoring of essential goods prices and enforcement following the expansion of the Subsidised Diesel Control System (SKDS). In a statement today, FOMCA said that although the expansion of diesel subsidies for jeeps and pick-up trucks nationwide could help reduce transportation costs, there is no automatic guarantee that the savings would translate into lower retail prices. “Fuel and logistics costs are important components within the supply chain. However, effective monitoring and enforcement are necessary to ensure that cost savings are reflected in retail prices instead of being absorbed as additional profits by certain parties,” it said. FOMCA also welcomed the government’s decision to expand the SKDS eligibility for jeeps and pick-up trucks nationwide, particularly for operators involved in land freight transportation. The association said the move was timely as transportation and logistics costs continued to contribute to higher prices of food, agricultural produce and daily essentials faced by consumers. According to the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry, the improved SKDS mechanism will allow companies nationwide that own jeeps and pick-up trucks for land freight purposes to register under the system beginning June 1. The government has also expanded eligibility to include certain vehicles previously registered under individual ownership, subject to company registration and transfer of vehicle ownership requirements. FOMCA said it appreciated the government’s continued efforts to address the rising cost of living amid global economic uncertainty and geopolitical tensions, which have contributed to higher global fuel and commodity prices. -- BERNAMA

KUALA LUMPUR, May 23 — The Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations (FOMCA) has called on the government to strengthen monitoring of essential goods prices and enforcement following the expansion of the Subsidised Diesel Control System (SKDS). In a statement today, FOMCA said that although the expansion of diesel subsidies for jeeps and pick-up trucks nationwide […]

STAR To Prioritise Local Advisers, Speed Up Digitalisation – Shamsul Azri

PUTRAJAYA, May 22 -- The Special Task Force on Agency Reform (STAR) has agreed to prioritise local think tanks and consultants in advisory roles to the government, while accelerating digitalisation initiatives in public services said Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar. In a Facebook post today, he said the decision was reached during STAR’s fifth meeting this year, which he chaired this morning He said the meeting focused on two key areas - the implementation of small-scale projects benefiting the public, including the maintenance of schools, public toilets and community facilities, as well as issues related to the cost of living and job opportunities. “Amid global economic uncertainty, STAR is seeking solutions to strengthen the implementation of government strategies,” he said. In a separate Facebook post, Shamsul Azri said he also met industry representatives and chambers of commerce through the Special Task Force to Facilitate Business (PEMUDAH) after the STAR meeting. He said discussions centred on streamlining tribunal mechanisms to resolve technical disputes in the construction industry, while reducing regulatory burdens to improve productivity and competitiveness. “In efforts to drive the national economy, I believe the government and industry must continue working closely and strengthening one another,” he said. -- BERNAMA

PUTRAJAYA, May 22 — The Special Task Force on Agency Reform (STAR) has agreed to prioritise local think tanks and consultants in advisory roles to the government, while accelerating digitalisation initiatives in public services said Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar. In a Facebook post today, he said the decision […]

MAIWP Launches 2026-2030 Strategic Plan With AI Integration

KUALA LUMPUR, May 14–The Federal Territories Islamic Religious Council (MAIWP) today launched the MAIWP Strategic Plan 2026-2030, which will integrate the use of advanced technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI). Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Dr Zulkifli Hasan said the use of AI technology aimed to strengthen the profiling process of ‘asnaf’ (zakat […]