Category: Financial Literacy EN

The weight of fresh produce packaged for sale in grocery stores must state its net weight on the label, says the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry’s Enforcement Division following recent checks on grocers. Its enforcement director-general Datuk Azman Adam said the tare weight, or the weight of packaging such as plastic trays, cling wraps and absorbent pads, should not be included in...

Malaysia’s blanket fuel subsidy system, though designed to provide universal benefits, has inefficiencies and unintended consequences. This system, exemplified by subsidies for RON95 petrol and diesel, extends benefits indiscriminately, including to foreign entities and higher-income households, while facilitating activities like smuggling. These issues underscore the urgent need for a...

Lately there has been renewed debate about the RM1 fee for interbank ATM withdrawals in Malaysia. While some argue that this a necessary charge for maintaining infrastructure, others view it as an outdated and burdensome fee in today’s digital economy. Hence, it is timely to revisit this policy by questioning whether imposing the fee aligns with the needs of the rakyat and the principles of...

It’s a fairly common practice – you go to the supermarket and buy some chicken breast slices or salmon fillets, which are neatly packed on a plastic tray with cling wrap and an absorbent pad. The label would state the weight and price. Most buyers would not spare this much thought, but the weight of the fresh produce would likely include the packaging weight, which then impacts the final...

The Consumers’ Association of Penang (CAP) is deeply concerned about the rapid increase in the price of coconuts sold in Penang markets. CAP's market survey conducted in Penang shows that the price of coconuts has gradually risen from RM2.00 to RM2.50, with larger-sized coconuts reaching RM3.30 each. The increase in coconut prices has also led to higher prices for coconut milk, which has gone...

The Consumers Association of Penang (CAP) welcomes the measures outlined in the National Budget 2025, which aim to consolidate an economy weakened by decades of dependence on imports, flawed agricultural policies, corruption, and poor programme implementation. The underlying policy to help the needy and tax the rich is laudable. The budget allocation for operating expenses is RM335 billion, and...