2025 – Page 20 – Consumers Association Penang

Strengthening Public Accountability After the 2025 Auditor General’s Report

Lai Cheng August 4, 2025 0 Comments

The 2025 Auditor General’s Report (Series 2) has unearthed a host of serious irregularities and governance failures, thereby creating a cascade of new concerns after scrutinising five audits across seven ministries. These involved programmes and projects worth approximately RM48.873 billion. According to reports, between 2012 and January 2025, a total of 12,393 audits were conducted. Of these,...

A LIVING, BREATHING SCHOOL

Lai Cheng August 4, 2025 0 Comments

In Denmark, a groundbreaking forest school replaces walls with wild landscapes where kids learn math, science, and art beneath open skies. Nature becomes their classroom, lab, and playground. From measuring trees to storytelling with clouds, every lesson sparks curiosity, creativity, and resilience. This living, breathing school proves that real education grows best where roots run deep –...

APPRECIATE LIFE’S MIRACLES

Soon Lian August 1, 2025 0 Comments

Prolific Danish author of fairy tales Hans Christian Andersen once said, “The whole world is a series of miracles, but we're so used to them we call them ordinary things.” A leaf, a raindrop, a flower, laughter, a ray of sunshine, or a heartbeat are all examples of everyday miracles. The simple act of waking up, breathing, seeing colours, or experiencing the natural world are all miracles...

Towards a Fairer and More Sustainable Economic Future for Malaysia

Lai Cheng July 31, 2025 0 Comments

The Consumers’ Association of Penang (CAP) welcomes the government’s efforts to assist those in need during these challenging economic times, as outlined in the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s Special Speech on 23 July 2025. However, we stress that such initiatives should serve as short-term relief only, particularly in light of the rising cost of living, subsidy rationalisation,...

PEELU TREE – A Precious Gift from Nature

Lai Cheng July 31, 2025 0 Comments

In the scorching desert, the Peelu tree (Salvadora persica), also known as the miswak tree, offers shade that’s 5°C cooler – an essential natural relief. 🌿 It thrives in arid, saline soils, prevents erosion, and supports biodiversity. Its branches are used as natural toothbrushes, and its leaves feed livestock. The sweet fruits are edible, and the tree has medicinal value too. The Peelu...

THIS CHEMICAL IS RESPONSIBLE FOR 1.5 MILLION DEATHS

Lai Cheng July 30, 2025 0 Comments

Cookware, paint, toys. Many everyday items may contain lead, a toxic heavy metal responsible for over 1.5 million deaths each year. It poses a particular threat to children and harms biodiversity. It is a cumulative toxicant particularly hazardous to young children and pregnant women. No safe level of lead exposure has been established. Once taken into the body, lead can cause permanent damage to...

Tackling Rising Food Prices in Malaysia

Soon Lian July 29, 2025 0 Comments

The rising cost of food has become a daily concern for many families, and Malaysian consumers are increasingly feeling the pinch. People are reacting to these price hikes with frustration and disbelief. Social media is abuzz with comparisons and complaints. It is clear that the public is under pressure and questioning whether these increases are justified. Rather than continuing to complain,...

Is Blue Light Stealing Your Sleep?

Soon Lian July 28, 2025 0 Comments

Countless teens and adults are exposed to blue light at night from various devices. These devices aren’t dangerous in and of themselves. But researchers have discovered that they interrupt sleep and prevent the deep, restful sleep we need to be healthy. Blue light suppresses the body's release of melatonin, a hormone that makes you feel drowsy. While this promotes wakefulness during the day,...

“BARKING” TRAINS MINIMISE WILDLIFE COLLISION

Lai Cheng July 28, 2025 0 Comments

In Japan, a cheap and low-tech solution has been successfully used to prevent wildlife collisions at railway tracks. Trains now play sounds that mimic deer snorts and dog barks, preventing wildlife from crossing the tracks. Deer are attracted to railway lines because of a need for iron in their diets. They lick the rails to pick up iron filings caused by the action of wheels against tracks, it's...

ELECTRIC VEHICLES: Environmental Issues & Policy Gaps

Lai Cheng July 25, 2025 0 Comments

CAP Submits Memorandum to the Government The Consumers’ Association of Penang (CAP) has submitted a memorandum titled “A Critical Review of Electric Vehicles: Environmental Issues and Policy Gaps” to the Prime Minister, relevant Ministries, and key agencies in July 2025. While electric vehicles (EVs) are widely promoted as a cleaner and more sustainable alternative to internal combustion...

Consumers Association Penang

Year: 2025