Category: Development EN

Seventy sen more for a packet of cigarettes. So what has this move done since it was implemented earlier this month? Has it got a lot of people to give up this evil, unhealthy and deadly habit? Or is it just earning the government more money? Our contention, from years of studying the issue, is that 70sen more is not going to make any difference to the pocket of the smoker. It will, of course,...

The Consumers’ Association of Penang (CAP) lauds the Penang Water Supply Corporation Sdn Bhd’s (PBAPP) Aquasave programme to promote water conservation in the state. This water conservation effort has been long due. PBAPP has stated that Penangites are high water users, consuming 286 litres of water per person daily, compared with the national recommendation of 220 litres and United...

The Israeli slaughter, hijacking and abduction of passengers of a humanitarian flotilla bound for Gaza with Malaysians on board, is a grim and timely reminder to all Malaysians that Israel does this with impunity, in absolute defiance of international law and in complete contempt of world public opinion. The ships were trying to deliver aid to Gaza which has been under a crippling siege imposed...

The Consumers’ Association of Penang feels  outraged by  the statement of the Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Dr. Ng Yen Yen that Malaysia is going to have “the first ever Ramadhan Summer Festival featuring food, shopping and other fun-filled activities” to attract Middle Eastern tourists during the Ramadhan month in August. Dr Ng should be reminded that Ramadhan is not a tourist product but...

The Consumers Association of Penang (CAP) supports the Government’s initiative to reduce its subsidy bill of RM74 billion in 2009, which is more than its development expenditure of RM51.2 billion in 2010. Of concern here is the long term survival of the country.  If we do not act now to reduce this massive bill, we will pay dearly for it in the near future. Subsidies should therefore only...

Deputy Prime Minister, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin in a media report had stated that truancy and gangsterism among students can lead to very serious disciplinary problems and crime. Of late, cyber cafes are also mentioned as one of the contributors to negative behaviour among school children. Cyber cafes give an opportunity for everyone to access computer and internet but unfortunately this facility...