Scam prevention has long been framed as a technological arms race—better cybersecurity systems, tighter regulations, and stronger laws. While these are undeniably important, they are not sufficient. The uncomfortable truth is that scams persist not merely because of gaps in systems, but because they exploit something far more predictable and Read more
The reported 40% to 70% increase in medical insurance premiums has caused an uproar amongst Malaysian consumers. Many had taken private insurance to bypass the public healthcare system with its long waiting periods and frequently overburdened systems. They had expected that their insurance premiums would allow them fair access to Read more
FOMCA fully appreciates the perspective of YB Chang, Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI), that in his article “Navigating the future: Malaysia’s ethical vision” he recognises the growing impact of AI on society and the challenging balance between the pursuit of innovation and the protection of human values and Read more
Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) schemes have grown rapidly in Malaysia, often severely impacting consumers negatively. According to the Consumer Credit Oversight Board (CCOB) website, there are about 2.9 million active BNPL users. From January to September 2023, there were altogether about 52 million transactions worth RM 4.3 billion. The Read more
FOMCA fully supports the Prime Minister’s efforts towards display of pricing for medicines in his effort towards addressing the issue of the increasing cost of living by empowering consumers to make informed choices by comparing and choosing the best value in their medicine purchase. Currently, at almost every level, the Read more
The Malaysian Rakyat, workers and consumers, are suffering. Workers are suffering. Incomes are relatively low. While the Bank Negara Malaysia would suggest that the living wage for a single person is RM 2,600, the World Bank Report in 2018 indicated that 50% of workers earn less than RM 2,160. Further Read more
According to the Police, Malaysians lost RM 305.9 million through scams between 2021 and August 2023. Who is responsible? In Malaysia, almost always, the consumers are held responsible. He is blamed for his greed, his fears, his ignorance or his lack of digital skills. Thus when he loses his money Read more
March 15 is World Consumer Rights Day. The theme for World Consumer Rights Day 2023 is Empowering Consumers towards Clean Energy. With energy prices spiraling and global temperatures reaching record highs, there is a critical need to shift towards affordable and clean energy. The theme will build on growing global Read more
While the public healthcare system is relatively efficient in delivering healthcare to the rakyat; nevertheless it is overburdened. There have been clear reports of bed shortages, long waits for access to specialists and investigations and even long waits for emergency treatments. The government through the White Paper is exploring the Read more
In the late 70’s and even 80’s it was not uncommon for physicians to assert that patients had needs not rights. The patient had a “need” and the doctor with his vast experience and training knew what was best for the patient. The patient basically had no say. The idea Read more