KEEPING THEM HONEST – BARBARIANS AT OUR GATES (Part 2)

KEEPING THEM HONEST – BARBARIANS AT OUR GATES (Part 2)

It is a pity that many a time people take consumers (or consumer advocates) to be fools!

I have always said this never under estimate anyone!

Never!

And when wrong admit - do not challenge for proof because you may be in for a shock when it is shown!

So to these rascals who are overcharging consumers and when challenged say it is to cover costs - let me ask them what is the real costs of service, the bills, the cards and what have you?  

CASE ONE – TOUCH & GO CARDS:

Why are consumers being charged RM10.00 to renew their ‘touch and go cards’ when many of them have only bought them a few years ago?

At the time of purchase of the ‘touch and go cards’ there is no notification whatsoever to consumers about this neither change nor charge nor that the card comes with a tenure or expiry date which ever comes sooner?

Professionals in the industry tell me that the cost per card is less than 50 Cents so why are consumers being made to pay much more and is this not blatant profiteering?

CASE TWO – BANK ATM CARDS

We need not have to reinvent the wheel or the argument put forth above – except to say why are banks charging a massive RM8.00 for a card that cost them less than 50 cents?

CASE THREE: SIGNING UP WITH STREAMYX

Consumers are signing up with Streamyx ever though their service is blatant rubbish but what can we do and who do they complain to when the order to the day is to rip consumer off big time – the nature of what being Malaysian today is all about?

Yes?

Certainly Nay!

But let us look at the case where consumers are paying RM60 per month.

When the bill comes it looks like this:

1. Yuran Langganan Streamyx: RM60.00
2. Caj Bulanan: RM1.00
3. Cukai 5%: 0.05

Making the total a flat RM61.05

When consumers ask for verification they are told that the RM1.05 “extra” is for that itemized billing!

If you probe further you are told it is for sending you your bill?

If you get irritated and probe further they tell you rudely to go to the company HQ and enquire!
  Our campaign against RACISM of all forms! 

KEEPING THEM HONEST - RETHINK THE TOLL HIKE SAYS JG!

Was it not a cabinet decision like all other decisions? 

Was it really flawed? 

If not - why is the cabinet asked to reconsider? 

Was Prime Minister Abdullah not chairing the meeting when this toll hike was deliberated on? 

Was there not vital updates and data provided before a decision was made? 

Who was driving the said meeting? 

If a decision of the Cabinet has to be re-deliberated it raises many a point of order from competence to what really goes on behind closed doors? 

Are there not facts presented? 

Are there no one from the Cabinet to tell the political intelligentsia what the raayat’s response would be if toll hike, for that matter any hikes in costs of goods and services are now mentioned with people facing many an imponderables and anxieties. 

But for the record, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi wants the decision to increase toll rates on five highways, which was announced earlier Thursday morning barely a day later to be reconsidered. 

I am made to understand that this will be deliberated by the chair namely incoming PM Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak. 

But I am more concerned with the many inconsistencies that are being bandied around. 

1. If the decision to increase the toll rates on March 1, which was announced by Works Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Zin Mohammed, was made three weeks ago, was this not re-deliberated with updates from latest touch of the nation’s pulse? 
2. Or are the politicians so blatantly insensitive and unaware of present dilemma on the ground especially the dire economic state and state of limbo in many sectors? 
3. Since this is the reason why the government is introducing the much published second stimulus package or the mini-budget. 

Basically let me put it this way – rather sarcastically - it means simply that while some stupid political buggers and idiots ‘harass an elderly man in a wheelchair, and all the more in the compound of the nation’s highest law making institutions the Malaysian Parliament - the economic and financial index is dropping, so is our exports, with the price of primary commodities all threatened! 

These fools have forgotten, perhaps caught in the political obsession to regain lost political power that tens of thousands have already lost their jobs.

Everyone is aware even if the mainstream media is not reporting it that the effects of the drop in manufacturing activity have spread to the retail sector as domestic consumption has contracted!

As a result credit remains scarce.  

Consumers, more importantly and specifically the poor, our urban poor are all in very high risk! 

I am not an economist but have enough friends in that field to advice me that the downturn will last not one or two but three or four years!

As ‘Uncle Ku Li’ had stated and I fully agree that Malaysians face a cascading series of difficulties at just the moment when our political system is broken and our basic institutions appear to be dangerously decayed!

Are we ready for change - the change that we can believe in?

So all these political ‘arrogance and adventures’ is meaning only one thing to the prospective investor and international observer – the country is riddled with problems and unsafe to invest in, a decision if made makes all Malaysians a victim because of the absolute stupidity of a few morons dressed in bush jackets, batik, tuxedoes and silk suits! 

Outgoing PM Abdullah can say whatever he wants but people cannot accept the logic ( the age old mantra) provided that - toll increase is connected to the highway concession agreements made between the Government and the concessionaires, in which major roads were be constructed by private initiatives through toll collections. 

It will not and cannot be accepted – period because the truth is the concession contract/agreement was in my humble opinion irresponsibly flawed – that is putting it mildly! 

So my dear friend, incoming PM Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak has his work cut out quite nicely, he may need to meet several of us to set up a ‘plan of action’ to address these issues and other hikes so that the political fallout and anger can be contained - at best minimized!

  Our campaign against RACISM of all forms!

KEEPING THEM HONEST - JG TO SPEAK ON SECOND STIMULUS PACKAGE LIVE ON ASTRO

  MALAYSIA’S LEAD CONSUMER ADVOCATE DR JACOB GEORGE WILL SPEAK ‘LIVE’ OVER ASTRO ON THE SECOND STIMULUS PACKAGE AND ITS IMPACT ON MALAYSIAN CONSUMERS.

THE SAID PACKAGE IS BEING INTRODUCED BY MALAYSIA’S SIXTH PRIME MINISTER DATUK SERI NAJIB TUN RAZAK.

CATCH JG OVER ASTRO LIVE! TUESDAY 9.30 PM OVER ASTRO’s BUSINESS AWANI - 501!

KEEPING THEM HONEST - POLITICIANS, THUGGERY AND UNFULFILLED PROMISES!

Are we about to see legal suits and class actions against politicians and elected representatives for unfulfilled promises - a breach of people’s trust?

In true democracy, will this result in the politicians, who had become tarnished by their act of omission, thuggery, arrogance, double-speak, incompetence and lack of ethics to being made to vacate their seats?

Interesting thought, but is Malaysia ready for this perhaps we should move in this direction?

Nay, I think. Because we are too forgiving to even the people who treated us with blatant disregard for all our rights and interests they claim to represent!

In October 1999, I organized a Charity Dinner function at Holiday Villa Subang.

In the full view of over 2,000 people attending the function, a politician and serving Senator, promised us RM2,000 to off-set the costs.

For the record, despite repeated reminders and telephone calls made since October 1999, the money did not come.

I met the Senator at the office of a senior Federal Minister and I engaged him on the unfulfilled promise.

He had asked me to write to him, again, citing several excuses in embarrassment.

I brought this matter up to CASSA Council Members and they decided that we should “drop the issue” as I was being made to look like a beggar!

CASSA Council Members stressed that what was promised was made voluntarily. However, they admitted it was a sad case to have made us look like beggars when all that we sought was the fulfillment of a promise made in public.

Truly far too many of our politicians ‘langsung tak tahu malu’ - (unshameful lot) too thick skinned!

Several years ago, two politicians, one a serving Mayor and the other a sitting Member of Parliament, had both promised to donate RM5, 000 each to a primary school for its PIBG projects.

There too I was made to run around a great deal before I could collect the said monies for the school!

At a service club installation ceremony and dinner, where I was presented an award for my public service (though I was there only for an hour leaving earlier ) I was “high-jacked” by a large group of people made up of sensitive public spirited individuals, corporate figures, and leaders of Non Governmental Organizations, Service Groups, retired UMNO leaders and charitable organizations!

These people were upset and they tried to seek answers to several issues that had made the front pages of our electronic and print media recently. Among the issues were how there was selective prosecution and double standards in the interpretation of the laws of the land, the Perak fiasco, and several others that challenges our ethical values (what is left!) and makes us ponder the future if we go in this despicable direction!

Just look how an elected MP can be threatened and others manhandled in the nation’s highest law making institution - the Malaysian Parliament!

This was not the first time that the members of a dominant political party behaved like absolute thugs and shenigans!

Individuals who have failed to comprehend the essence and values of parliamentary democracy, the seperation of powers, the need for moral conduct to be displayed not the kind of stuff that shows repeatedly that though they smoke cigars, dine in flash joints, have private jets, head corporations and banks, tailor clothes at 5th Avenue in New York or London’s West end, drive luxury imports and weekends hire boat cruises, sign documents only in their RM17,500 ’skeleton pens’ but basically are still third rate thugs, pariahs and basically shenigans of the worst kind!

But in time or GE13 - I am certain that they will be made irrelevant in view of their wayward and arrogant behavior and culture many a times in full glare of the electronic and print media!

These men and women I spoke to at the said dinner demanded answers.

And answers I did not have! I sounded defeated and tired and about to walk off into my sunset at the twilight of what I think is of ‘my calling’ to concentrate on more vital and important task ahead as a loving and caring father to two lovely kids, I thank GOD I have, who love and support me so much!

Unlike the politicians our loved ones are always there for us - not like others who come into our lives, or in times of elections and by-elections they come – these sun-glassed politicians dressed in posh wares, driving luxury vehicles in tour, made their grand entry and exit and in those moments.

Where undressed children were cuddled, uncollected garbage was pointed at, clogged drains were frowned upon, and immediate cosmetic changes were initiated, allocations approved and they leave! 

The good news was that this group of people who “cornered” me at this grand dinner (in which I was hardly dressed, probably the worst dressed at that occasion in just blue jeans, a black shirt and jacket) where they had promised me sufficient financial and other support for any project proposal that I may suggest addressing in the long term for the sake of any marginalized community!

Perhaps, readers of this blog may suggest and assist my team and me to initiate one, where this promised financial support package could be utilized!

Community groups like us learn fast, we know that we do not have all the answers but we are honest and have good intentions and values!

What about Malaysian politicians, especially the appointed and ‘butt grafted’ ones - really?

  Our campaign against RACISM of all forms!

KEEPING THEM HONEST – BARBARIANS AT OUR GATES?

KEEPING THEM HONEST – BARBARIANS AT OUR GATES?

Just when you thought that the toll on Malaysian consumers will be lifted you are told:

CASE ONE: Toll Rates going skywards! 

The toll rates for five highways - North-South Expressway (Plus), Sprint Highway (Sprint), Ampang Elevated Highway (Akleh), Sungai Besi Highway (Besraya), New Pantai Expressway (NEP) - will go up this Sunday.

Beginning March 1, road users for Plus will be paying an extra 0.86 sen per kilometre - from 13.60 sen per km to 14.46 sen per km - a hike of 6.3 percent.
CASE TWO: Tourism Ministry’s Promotional Billboards?

There are allegations that the tourism ministry is paying contractors to put up huge billboards for ‘tourism purposes’ at inflated prices, then give them the contract to maintain the bill boards and further payments to host advertisements on to it periodically?

Instead of wasting time on ‘cows and cars’ and state assembly speakers why are ‘they’ not zooming in on such more pertinent matters?
CASE THREE: The ugly business in ‘water management!’

Selangor’s water concessionaires Puncak Niaga, Syabas and Splash are laughing all the way to the bank while the consumers are suffering!

The Selangor State government’s plans to buy back with are riddled with hurdles by a ‘black hand’ and a matter of time before a state referendum discusses this ugly face of cronyism and billion ringgit handouts to politically connected individuals and companies at the expense of the people!

At the way thinks look I predict soon there will be an upward escalation of costs to consumers by say (?) 12% which will further burden Selangor consumers!

Of course, we have the Water Services Industry Act (WSIA) 2006 but whose interests does it serve?

Just look at Clause 191 (5) which reads as follows:

The determination of what amounts to national interest issues arising from the coming into operation of this Act shall be made by the Minister and such determination shall be final and binding upon all persons and shall not be challenged, appealed against, reviewed, quashed or questioned in any court.

You do not have to be a lawyer neither rocket scientist to realize the ramification of such clauses!

CASE FOUR: PROPOSED (?) IT MONOPOLY FOR GOVT HOSPITALS!

‘hope he - Tan Sri Nor (Second Finance Minister) can shed some light whether this is indeed true?’

There are allegations that a politically connected IT company has submitted to the Finance Ministry a proposal for them to have monopoly of all IT services in all government hospitals in the country. 

If the allegations are true this certainly could be the work of individuals within the finance ministry who were working against the newly minted procedures to prevent monopolies, to have open and transparent tenders and to facilitate that only companies that truly have a track record are considered. 

Selective bidding is undoubtedly a source of corruption and in most cases, the bidders will have to inflate the cost of the contract many time over to cover the cash payouts to corrupt officials whose ‘services’ are solicited. 

The auditor-general’s annual report, year-in, year-out only captures a fraction of a much larger scope of corrupt practice between the contractors and the officials. 

According to reliable sources the company allegedly being considered for the IT monopoly has already received negative evaluation from Selayang hospital. 

I maintain that no monopolies should be given to any quarter and the government should encourage active competition above qualified companies bidding to undertake IT services at government hospitals throughout Malaysia. 

I am willing to reveal the details of the said company allegedly being positioned to handle all IT services in government hospitals direct to DPM and Finance Minister, Najib Tun Razak this week so that the latter could use his good office to get to the bottom of these allegations.

I will also tell him of the name that keeps coming up at every junction of this allegations - perhaps, he may not be shocked but pleased that we brought it to his attention so that he can say a loud - NAY TO SUCH PRACTICE!

  Our campaign against RACISM of all forms!

KEEPING THEM HONEST - FEE STRUCTURE AT PRIVATE HOSPITAL UNDER FIRE FROM CONSUMER!

ANGRY CONSUMER RAISES PERTINENT QUESTION ON COST AT PRIVATE HOSPITAL!

‘another private hospital under fire!’

‘Dear Datuk Dr Jacob George,

Good day. My name is Samantha.

My husband had a mountain bike accident last Saturday 21st February 2009. He tore a ligament in his right knee. He was admitted to Damansara Specialist which was the nearest hospital to where the accident happened.

They did an MRI and concluded that they would have to do a minor surgery to sew the ligament up. The operation was done & my husband was discharged on the 24th February 2009.

He stayed a total of 3 nights in a double room. The charges for knee ligament tear came to RM14, 671.75.

Would it have been this much had we paid cash rather than use our insurance? This is a ridiculous amount for a minor operation. My insurance agent has other cases of similar circumstance.

At this rate, whatever amount of insurance we buy will never be enough! Premiums will sky rocket up. Insurance companies make money from premiums so either ways they are not bothered. Private hospitals get richer from insurance coverage whilst the patients just get poorer. We are on the losing end.

I have no one else to turn to. A man had a by pass to which he paid cash first instead of using his insurance. He later claimed it back from his insurance.

The by pass cost him RM33, 000.00 this is understandable because it is a complicate life or death operation. But in my case almost RM15, 000 for a ligament tear well that is just day light robbery!

I am sure so many more people are experiencing the same thing. What can we do about this? If we don’t make a fuss then there is no stopping these private hospitals from ripping the public off.

They do not have fixed rates in their charges. So whenever the finance director feels that this month they need to make a higher profit, he charges insured patients double!

Or, perhaps insurance companies are getting rebates from private hospitals?? Kick backs! Whatever it is - I think it’s to make create a public awareness on this!

We all at some point of our lives seek medical help and get admitted to hospitals - so before it happens to you or your family we should start exposing their “tricks”!

Please advice.

Best Regards,

Samantha’  

DDJG REPLIES:

‘Dear Samantha,

I am deeply sorry to hear of your claims contained in this blog.

I have contacted the said hospital just a few minutes ago on your claims and am advised that the senior management are out but will revert to me soonest.

As your allegations are serious and it surounds public interests, I am sending a copy of it to the Ministry of Health, Malaysia!

For your information - The Private Healthcare Facilities and Services Act 1998 is a very comprehensive legal document which I have also personally contributed to and it, among others, contains advice on fee structures and I have always made repeated statements that whatever fees charged must be fair and reasonable.

A claim that I repeated during my recent participation on ASTRO AWANI TALKSHOW on Malaysian Healthcare Issues just recently!

However, once I hear from the said hospital I will revert to you.

As demanded by the tenets of natural justice which I strongly adhere to, I have told the said hospital that I will also post their reply to your allegations in this blog!

In the meantime please convey my ‘get well soon wishes’ to your husband.

Cordially JG’

President - CONSUMERS ASSOCIATION OF SUBANG AND SHAH ALAM, SELANGOR (CASSA) - http://www.cassa.org.my/  

  Our campaign against RACISM of all forms! 

KEEPING THEM HONEST - GOVT URGED TO PREVENT MONOPOLIES IN IT SERVICES AT GOVERNMENT HOSPITALS!

GOVT URGED TO PREVENT MONOPOLIES IN IT SERVICES AT GOVERNMENT HOSPITALS! 

I sincerely welcome the statement by Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Abdul Razak that he longer encourages selective bidding (direct negotiations) for future government contracts! 

This statement is welcomed in view recent claims and allegations that a politically connected IT company has submitted to the Finance Ministry a proposal for them to have monopoly of all IT services in all government hospitals in the country. 

If the allegations are true this certainly could be the work of individuals within the finance ministry who were working against the newly minted procedures to prevent monopolies, to have open and transparent tenders and to facilitate that only companies that truly have a track record are considered. 

Selective bidding is undoubtedly a source of corruption and in most cases, the bidders will have to inflate the cost of the contract many time over to cover the cash payouts to corrupt officials whose ‘services’ are solicited. 

The auditor-general’s annual report, year-in, year-out only captures a fraction of a much larger scope of corrupt practice between the contractors and the officials. 

According to reliable sources the company allegedly being considered for the IT monopoly has already received negative evaluation from Selayang hospital. 

I maintain that no monopolies should be given to any quarter and the government should encourage active competition above qualified companies bidding to undertake IT services at government hospitals throughout Malaysia. 

I am willing to reveal the details of the said company allegedly being positioned to handle all IT services in government hospitals direct to the DPM and Finance Minister, this week so that the latter could use his good office to get to the bottom of these allegations.

I will also tell him of the name that keeps coming up at every junction of this allegations - perhaps, he may not be shocked but pleased that we brought it to his attention so that he can say a loud - NAY TO SUCH PRACTICE!

 Our campaign against RACISM of all forms! 

KEEPING THEM HONEST – WHERES JUSTICE FOR THE NATION’S LEADING CONSUMER ADVOCATE?

KEEPING THEM HONEST – WHERES JUSTICE FOR THE NATION’S LEADING CONSUMER ADVOCATE?

On the 29 April 2005 this was the breaking news!

MALAYSIA‘S LEADING CONSUMER ADVOCATE AND FORMER SENIOR ADMINISTRATOR OF SUBANG JAYA MEDICAL CENTRE (SJMC), DR. JACOB GEORGE WINS INDUSTRIAL COURT CASE AGAINST HIS FORMER EMPLOYERS - SIME DARBY’S SUBANG JAYA MEDICAL CENTRE (SJMC) AFTER A SIX YEAR WAIT.WHEN CONTACTED BY KONSUMER CURRENTS TEAM - A TEARFUL BUT HAPPY DR. JACOB GEORGE (49) RESERVED HIS COMMENTS TILL HE HAD TIME TO READ THE INDUSTRIAL COURT’S JUDGEMENT HANDED DOWN DATED 26 APRIL 2005 BY YANG ARIFF SUSILA SITHAMPARAM - CHAIRMAN INDUSTRIAL COURT MALAYSIA BUT SAID:
IT HAS BEEN A RATHER LONG AND PAINFUL JOURNEY SOMETIMES WALKED IN TEARS AND A BROKEN SPIRIT BUT IN THE END, THE GOOD LORD SAW ME THROUGH!

INDUSTRIAL COURT HAD ORDERED DR GEORGE’S REINSTATEMENT WITHOUT LOSS OF SENIORITY WITH BACK PAY OF 24 MONTHS!

When contacted this afternoon, three years after that judgment, Dr George said that the respondent SJMC today known as SIME DARBY HEALTHCARE had filed an appeal that is expected to be heard early next month!All I will say is – ‘the LORD will neither forsake me nor fail me so I will fear nothing!’

CASSA cannot but ask:

Does not all this delay make the industrial court’s decision a mockery and if this can happen to Malaysia’s leading consumer advocate, who fought for other peoples’ rights for over 37 years – should the Human Resource Ministry not do more to prevent such delays?’

Let us hope Human Resources Ministry Minister, Dr Subramaniam ponders this pertinent question!

 Our campaign against RACISM of all forms! 

KEEPING THEM HONEST – ARE MALAYSIAN CONSUMERS REALLY PROTECTED?

KEEPING THEM HONEST – ARE MALAYSIAN CONSUMERS REALLY PROTECTED?

DESPITE increase in awareness and understanding of consumer rights, presence of Government regulatory and laws, the principle of caveat emptor (buyer beware) has become more relevant today than ever.

This is especially true for uninformed consumers purchasing technology gadgets such as computers, printers and scanners who are at the mercy of retailers, vendors, agents and manufacturers.

Unethical trade practices continue to burden consumers and the right to redress is not taken seriously, says the Consumers Association of Subang and Shah Alam, Selangor (CASSA)

The association reports that it receives an average of 25 complaints a week from tech product purchasers.

Many more incidents are not reported, it believes, simply because consumers do not know who or where to turn to.

According to the association’s popular, articulate and western trained president and legal adviser Datuk Dr Jacob George, the complaints are basically about defective or faulty products, retailers disclaiming warranties, consumers receiving goods that do not match product descriptions and repairs not being done.

“There’s definitely an increase in the number of consumer grievances.

Despite all the laws, consumer awareness and media exposure, a large number of consumers are being cheated in the marketplace. The epidemic of dishonesty and unethical trade practices thrives here,” he says.

He adds that the situation is made worse by the fact that Malaysians are vulnerable to advertisements that offer freebies. They make impulsive decisions based on misleading advertisements, take verbal assurance from the retailers and do not ask for warranties upon purchase of products, he explains.

Another factor that has helped heighten unfair and deceptive practices in the marketplace, according to George, is lack of enforcement.

Dr George was speaking in an interview with an Australian national media network looking at examples of Asian consumer movements.

 Not knowing which authority to take their grievances to, consumers often rely on consumer associations to settle their problems.

While consumer associations can help settle these grievances, there must be some form of Governmental support and intervention to ensure that retailers, agents and manufacturers do not continue with their unethical practices, he explains.

George adds that while at present respective Government agencies are informed in written form of all complaints made to the association by consumers, there is no acknowledgment from them, neither is there any Government representative present when consumer associations meet up with the retailers or manufacturers to settle issue.

“This is the weakness in the system that needs to be addressed. With enforcement in place, we will be able to better monitor consumer problems and offer redress. It will show that the Government takes consumer problems seriously.”

Does the Consumer Protection Act 1999 help in any way? (The act prohibits the use of misleading and deceptive conduct, false misrepresentation and unfair claims in selling a product or service.)

“What we have today is a ‘pale shadow’ of the original and unlike the Australian or American version!

Thank the lobbyists for that!

It is a piece of legislation enacted with the objective to provide greater protection for consumers, but it does little to provide redress for consumer grievances,” George says.

It is a toothless tiger! Perhaps, now after all my screaming they have put dentures on it!

Under this act, an aggrieved consumer can refer any dispute or claim of less than RM10,000 to the established Consumer Tribunal.

However, consumers often stay away because of the tiring procedures, time involved and lack of enforcement, George says.

“A consumer who files a case in the tribunal may get a judgment in his or her favor, but who enforces it? That remains a question. In addition, the retailer or manufacturer might file an appeal in high court, making the process more cumbersome.”

So, how do we arrest the problem and ensure consumers get value for their money?

George suggests that the Government set up an umbrella body involving the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry, International Trade and Industry Ministry, consumer groups, retailers and manufacturers.

The body should act as a think tank responsible for providing recommendations as well as a watchdog to address problems in the marketplace, he says.

“This will be a one-stop centre providing necessary information to consumers. There will also be greater enforcement. It will not only help regulate unfair and deceptive practices, but also offer speedy redress for consumer cases. It will create a win-win situation for all parties involved.”

When asked about circulating rumors that he will stand down soon from all public office despite strong support from the government agencies, Ministry of DomesticTrade and Consumers Affairs and several NGO groups asking him to continue,  Dr George says ‘the golden rule is not to overstay your welcome and I believe I have done my national service and now, my two young children whom I love very much will need me more, so I will make a call soon!

A smiling Dr George says

‘CASSA has a well trained team to take over when I leave - I would have failed in my responsibility if I had not addressed that need - don’t you think?’    

 Our campaign against RACISM of all forms!

KEEPING THEM HONEST - CAN A PRIVATE HOSPITAL TURN US AWAY?

KEEPING THEM HONEST – PRIVATE HOSPITAL TURNED US AWAY!

Dear JG 

We appreciate all that you are doing for Malaysian Consumers. 

We have a question. Can a private hospital turn away a patient brought in from an emergency situation? 

SD 

Subang Jaya

JG: The answer is straight forward and has been from time immemorial! 

Private Hospitals Should Provide Emergency Treatment To All! 

I want to remind all private hospitals in the country they must provide immediate emergency treatment to patients without waiting for deposit payment.

That is not all! 

They should also communicate with the patients and their relatives during the emergency treatment.

I am certain these aspects are stressed in the Private Healthcare Facilities and Services Act (1998). 

If they fail the affected party can file a complaint with the Ministry of Health, Malaysia. 

Do send us a copy though. 

Secondly, private hospitals cannot refuse treatment just because the patient has not or could not pay deposits before treatment in this situation.

For your information we are also presently looking at the various fee structures of private hospitals and about to address the various disparities so that a common ground can evolve in the consumer interest! 

  Our campaign against RACISM of all forms!

KEEPING THEM HONEST - SINCE WE ARE TALKING ABOUT STIMULUS PACKAGES!

It is topic that is making its rounds as the nation braces for various economic, financial and political instability!

Not just in Malaysia, the US, Britain, Australia, Singapore, Korea, Thailand, Canada and Europe have their versions as well! 

So plenty of money will be injected into various economies and we pray that the pitfalls of the past will be avoided!

I was invited by ASTRO to be on a panel discussing the above live on March 2 but has things changed so much?

Or are the money fears and issues still the same?

I post here an article I wrote on this matter several years ago and you be the judge! 

UTILISE STIMULUS PACKAGE WITH TRANSPARENCY & ACCOUNTABILITY!
(Posted on Tuesday May 20, 2003 )

The introduction of this “stimulus package” is no doubt, to uplift, bolster and safeguard our economy, in the wake of various international happenings, that has a direct and indirect impact on our shores!

This move by the government, is timely, and sends a clear signal that the Barisan Nasional government would do everything within its power, to bolster and assist “players and dependents” of the Malaysian economy.

However, it must be pointed out that “due care and concern” must be embedded into the whole process, to prevent and avoid any major “spending spree” under this “lifeblood attempt.”

The last time, we had a similar package, there were allegations of “sheer imprudence and lack of objectivity” in spending patterns and therefore, this time around, it is crucial that all attempts and strategic safeguards must be put into place.

We cannot deny, that our “development efforts” has run up high deficits and this adds more support that all attempts must be undertaken, that due care, merit and prioritizing be the mode of the day!

The writer is made to understand, that the said “stimulus package” was originally due to be announced in late March but was postponed to early April after war broke out in Iraq and has now been put off until an “indefinite period” as the deadly Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (Sars) which sparked a global health scare takes a further toll and dents all major economies in the global stage!
This move must be lauded and is no doubt be one of calculated prudence. 

In particular, with SARS in the picture it is pertinent that “certain adjustments” have to be made to sectors that will be hard-hit specially, those linked to tourism.

As a consumer advocate, monitoring the issue, it is hoped that the financial package introduced by the government would contain ’specific measures expected to have an immediate impact on the economy, while laying the foundation for more stable growth in the medium and long-term’.

It would also be hoped that the measures introduced would speed up existing projects and focus on sustaining consumer spending.

However, these efforts may be inadequate if there are no measures put into fast track to further liberalize the economy and cut red tape to boost competitiveness and woo foreign investors.

The corporate sector must be made more competitive and draw in more foreign investment to sustain its growth’.

The government should also ‘restructure and deregulate’ the economy in its upcoming package to counter stiff competition from China and regional economies.

One would also caution the government against overstretching its finances as its budget deficit for this year had ballooned to 5.6 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP), from 5.2 per cent in 2002.

As such, multi billion ringgit projects that depend on foreign borrowings must specially be caveat and sent for rigorous reexamination and review.

For the record, it must be pointed out that 2 years ago, the government spent RM7.3 billion to “pump prime” the economy amid the US slowdown and the Sept 11 terrorist attacks in the US.

The result was, it kept the recession away, prompting an anemic 0.4-per-cent growth.

But, the good news is that we are not on the brink of recession now, so there is no need to break or pressurize the banks to push growth.

However, the federal government needs to be extremely prudent and it will certainly help if certain state governments, noted for their “lavish spending” be advised by both the Prime Minister and deputy premier, Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, to be of “extreme thrift” in the long term interest, of the nation.

 Our campaign against RACISM of all forms!

KEEPING THEM HONEST - CHILD CONSUMERS SPEAK ON BFM89.9 TODAY 2PM!

Today three young children will be on BFM89.9 at 2pm stating what they feel about the state of our environment, canteen food, consumer culture, fast food chains and carbonated drinks, misleading adverts and the targeting of children by advert companies and many such issues coming from the ‘mouth of babes!”

When children speak we as adults and policymakers must listen! Why? Children speak plain and innocently!

No political agenda there, no game plan and all they want is accountability, good governance and transparency!

So look out for the Trio CASSAITES – Reuel, Talitha and Shane speak plainly and simply over BFM89.9!

Remember 2pm today - Friday February 20!

 Our campaign against RACISM of all forms!

KEEPING THEM HONEST - LISTEN WHEN CHILDREN SPEAK POLICYMAKERS TOLD!

I may have difficulty updating as I am receiving many a speaking engagements over the national media networks, the latest being a discussion over ASTRO on the intended – SECOND STIMULUS PACKAGE AND ITS IMPLICATIONS FOR MALAYSIA!

But look out for the TRIO – who will be on BFM89.9 tomorrow at 2pm talking on how children should react to the state of our environment, canteen food, consumer culture, fast food chains and carbonated drinks, misleading adverts and the targeting of children by advert companies and many such issues coming from the ‘mouth of babes!”

I was with someone from the DPM’s Office this morning and he commented both BFM89.9 and I for this endeavor of putting children over the air as we need to hear what the children are saying as adults - plain and simple are screwing things up with their brand of hypocrisy with public policy!

When children speak they speak plain and innocently!

No political agenda there, no game plan and all they want is accountability, good governance and transparency!

So look out for the Trio CASSAITES – Reuel, Talitha and Shane speak plainly and simply over BFM89.9!

Remember 2pm Friday February 20!

 Our campaign against RACISM of all forms!

KEEPING THEM HONEST – STATE AMOUNT OF CAFFEIN IN DRINKS MANUFACTURERS TOLD!

KEEPING THEM HONEST – STATE AMOUNT OF CAFFEIN IN DRINKS MANUFACTURERS TOLD!

Did you know that some carbonated sodas and energy drinks are loaded with caffeine and can give an unhealthy pick-me-up to unsuspecting consumers?

CASSA health experts state that this is because caffeine can pose health risks for people with certain medical conditions and as such beverages containing the additive should clearly list the amount they contain!

But the fact remains it is neither done here in Malaysia or elsewhere!

Consumerist Dr Sandy Temple in her e-mail to me was suggesting that high caffeine content in some beverages could present problems for pregnant women and children and for adults with hypertension, heart disease or mental health ailments such as anxiety!

Actually what Dr Temple cited did not surprise me a bit that there was caffeine in the sodas and some of the other beverages but I was indeed shocked that there was a high concentration of caffeine in some of the energy drinks, which exceeded the US government’s recommendations for cold beverages!

‘Aiyoh’ - if in the US then how about here – in the land of the ‘close both eyes?”

I am aware that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends a maximum caffeine concentration of 65 milligrams per 12-ounce serving of cola beverages, though it does not regulate caffeine content of these drinks.

And although the FDA requires the presence of caffeine be disclosed, it does not mandate that caffeine quantity be specified on labeling for energy drinks and cold coffee beverages.

Do not take my word for granted check this out the next time you are at it!

I am advised by Dr Temple that in the US - 10 energy drinks, 19 sodas and seven other beverages were tested and some energy drinks have up to 141 milligrams in a single serving - more than twice the content of some espresso coffee drinks!

I am told that among the sodas tested includes Coca-Cola and Pepsi products, ranged from 0 to 48 milligrams a serving, well below the maximum recommended amount.

A&W Root Beer, Sprite, 7-Up and Seagram’s Ginger Ale were among the caffeine-free drinks.

However, the caffeine content of most energy drinks exceeded the maximum recommended limit.

One energy drink with the highest caffeine content had a whopping 141 milligrams per serving, more than a double-shot cold espresso drink.

These drinks are often marketed as enhancing performance and stimulating metabolism and are sometimes described as being “highly vitalizing.”

But I am also told that in certain people, consumption of caffeine causes serious health effects, such as anxiety, palpitations, irritability, difficulty sleeping and stomach complaints!

In Malaysia as else where, I am advised that the amount of caffeine is not labeled on the drinks’ packaging, pregnant women, children, infants or people with certain psychiatric diseases or anxiety conditions may unknowingly ingest too much!

This has in my humble opinion has to be addressed!

I will speak more on this over BFM89.9 on my talk show on Monday, February 23/2009!

Did you know for example, the American Dietetic Association suggests women avoid caffeine while pregnant or breastfeeding, citing findings from studies linking caffeine consumption to miscarriage and low-birth weight babies?

I am certain there are indeed many such consequences that are relatively unknown to the general public because they consider the consumption of sodas and other beverages to be relatively safe!

I am told by Dr Temple that for example individuals with psychiatric diseases could have manifestations of anxiety when they consume too much caffeine people with hypertension could increase their heart rate if they consume caffeine!

So in other words, I will be right to say that that caffeine is the most widely used mood-altering drug in the world.

But in all fairness, caffeine is not considered highly toxic but according to Dr Temple who recommends the cutting back or eliminating caffeine consumption for patients who are pregnant or who have anxiety, panic attacks, insomnia or some kinds of stomach and heart conditions.

She says that the daily use of even relatively low doses of caffeine (about 100 milligrams a day) results in physical dependence, with abstinence characterized by withdrawal symptoms such as headache, fatigue, depressed mood and difficulty concentrating!

I am now worried, as far as I know we have had no discussions specifically about caffeine use in the Malaysian consumer sphere until this blog article surfaced!

Obviously, like all others things in life and in consumerism - knowing how much caffeine a given product contains are critical to making an informed decision about use!

So putting all this in a nut shell, I am urging the Ministry of Health Malaysia (MOH) to initiate labels warning so that certain consumer products which are unsafe for certain target groups like children, pregnant women are stated clearly in the labels!

Also to be included the amount of caffeine!

Got my drift?

 Our campaign against RACISM of all forms!

KEEPING THEM HONEST - CHILD CONSUMERS SPEAK UP!

Eat your heart out! This is ‘a first’ in any media in Malaysia!

On Friday February 20, BFM89.9 will guest two very articulate and aware child consumers over the airwaves!

The two will give their opinion on consumerism, the adverts we have, canteen and unhealthy food, on the state of the environment and on addressing green and consumer friendly laws in Malaysia!

So keep your date with BFM89.9 Friday February 20 at 2pm.

 Our campaign against RACISM of all forms!

KEEPING THEM HONEST – WHY PEOPLE GET PISSED OFF WITH CIVIL SERVANTS!

BFM89.9 – the popular Radio Station that articulates the ‘rights and interests of Malaysian Consumers’ had decided to do a take on Dengue!

And why – as early as January 3, 2003, I had articulated this issue - see copy below:

Local authorities fail in fighting dengue

I am saddened that several people in my neighborhood have contracted dengue.

It does not end there. For the record, we have also had fatalities and noted among them is a Subang Jaya resident, also a former Universiti Hospital Eye Specialist and Associate Professor, who has served with dedication and distinction. She is a shining beacon and friend to both her colleagues, and post and undergraduate medical students!

And for this reason alone, I cannot but be angry and upset that the information that dengue fever has claimed 54 lives in 2002, with 10,753 confirmed cases reported nationwide was kept from the public.

And to add salt to wound, neither was there a concentrated effort in mobilizing a nationwide effort to neither combat this outbreak nor take punitive sanctions against those who aid and abet this situation to exist, be they individuals, developers or the local councils!

Despite all the “hype, propaganda and publicity on how e-savvy Subang Jaya Municipal Council (MPSJ) is, the township has the distinction of been singled out as the “dengue capital of the nation”!

And noted among them are the “high demand residential areas in USJ!”

Perhaps, those who have received their “political appointment” as MPSJ councilors with the various perks should tender their resignation for failing miserably to monitor act and protect the rights and interests of residents here!

And the heads of the MPSJ health enforcement units should be immediately replaced!

It is a pity that a township which was planned as an “environmental haven” four decades ago has turned into a “nightmare concrete jungle”, thanks to incompetent enforcement, questionable and arbitrarily construction approvals and with construction and developers running amok.

INSENSITIVE

Today, Subang Jaya can be best remembered for the symbiotic relationships between certain developers enjoying a monopoly in construction approvals and “people in the corridors of power” despite failing to surrender titles meant for parks, public areas and usage and for an obsession for “Manhattan styled skyline”, excessive signboards, abandoned projects, traffic jams, flash flood, contaminated water and a quality of life that is suspect!

And these very authorities instead of mobilizing a massive campaign to contain the outbreak are rather insensitive by telling us to be calm and that we are “currently experiencing an increase in the number of cases compared to 2001, but it has not reached the epidemic stage!

As a consumer advocate, may I ask both the Ministry of Housing and Local Government and Ministry of Health, how many “body bags” must we fill before it is to be classified “an epidemic” and worthy of a national alert and effort?

For the record, in 2001 alone, Malaysia posted 50 deaths and reported 8,669 dengue cases.

 I am also aware that the World Health Organization (WHO) had issued an alert about five months ago warning all countries in the tropical region, including Malaysia, to be prepared for an increase in the number of dengue cases in view of present weather conditions. It is a pity that our local authorities have not adequately responded to the alert!

Ironically, the problem is not in some rural unreachable corner of Malaysia but in several areas that boost of their “bandaraya status”!

Time here is of the essence and it is of utmost importance that both the Ministry of Housing and Local Government and the Ministry of Health put away their “petty squabbles and ministerial tussles” and address the outbreak.

It is also important that the Ministry of Information instead of spending too much time on “political propaganda” go on an offensive media blitz, utilizing the private television stations too, to conscientize the masses on the dengue problem.’

So when my friends at BFM89.9 – ‘the Radio talk show that cares’ decided to do a program on Dengue and I was tasked to nominate a speaker from the health department, you can imagine the thrill I had!

So what do I do?

I call the MBSA health desk. The telephone rings and is found to be busy for hours.

I keep trying and finally get through and speak to one who must have just got up from slumber though it was past 9am.

I just ask for the Director of Health and instead of passing me through decides to question me why and for what – irritated I tell her and finally to get her attention. She asks me to call back saying nobody is around or in a ‘discussion!’

Now fuming I tell her who I was:

President of the Consumers Association of Subang and Shah Alam Selangor (CASSA), the Joint Chairman for the Selangor State Consumer Council, a member of the National Consumer Council of the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumers Affairs, Malaysia and ‘Special Adviser to MOH”

I gave her my number and asked her to ask her superior to call me.

Barely a few seconds, a call comes through and a medical doctor attached to that division speaks to me and quite politely too and I respond with equal cordiality!

She promises to call back.

And she does however I am told that they want an official letter from me before ‘deciding’ and when I heard that – I let loose a few beatitudes of my own not to represent the teachings of Lord Jesus in the Holy Bible!

I spoke of the need to get rid of this ‘bureaucratic red tape’ especially as dengue is a national threat now and any offer for air time in whatever medium must be grabbed!

I threw in ‘a few names’ and on top of it was Housing and local Government Ministry’s KSU and dear friend, DG Tan Sri Dr Ismail Merican’s and I would have sent him a SMS if this fine lady had not suddenly become ‘overly proactive and unbelievably warm!’

Well done. Now we are talking.

She says they cannot spare me any staff as they have their briefing with their Exco but she will give me the name of another from the State Health Department!

In fact with a hand-phone number – brilliant!

So I called the handset of the health official at the State Health Department who seems to ‘know me pretty well’ (the media version of course!)

In fact, he was interested to meet up to discuss common networking possibilities and joint programs for consumer interests and I was glad.

I shared my need and he personally agreed to come if not for a trip out of town. But all was not lost he would arrange for another doctor to join the program. (he has just confirmed via SMS!)

All he needed was an official invite – and – I said all right no problems – you can have it in 30 minutes. And I faxed it off.

So we will have someone after all to speak on dengue on BFM89.9 at 2pm tomorrow as I continue with the issue of ‘hillside development and tragedy again today at 2pm!’

I know and am aware that many government officials and policymakers are reading my blog and I pray that the message here is clear!

It is time to be professional and do things with competence!

First there is a need to get rid of the bureaucracy, the red tape, the hassles you put consumers through when they approach government servants for assistance!

And in ‘all fairness’, I want to record my sincere appreciation to those at the Selangor State Health Department for coming on board to serve consumer interests!

 Our campaign against RACISM of all forms!

KEEPING THEM HONEST - WHAT JG SAID OVER BFM89.9 - ‘MEDIA AND THE CONSUMER’

CONSUMER ADVOCATE JACOB GEORGE SLAMS THE MEDIA FOR PLAYING UP ‘SMEAR CAMPAIGN?’

WHOSE INTEREST IS BEING MET HERE - CERTAINLY NOT PUBLIC INTEREST!

THIS LASS DID NOTHING WRONG BUT A WRONG WAS DONE TO HER - THATS THE DIFFERENCE! BUT STRANGE, MALAYSIA IS SUDDENLY FULL OF SELF RIGHTEOUS POLITICIANS ALL PREACHING STRANGE SERMONS INSTEAD OF LOOKING AT THEIR OWN BACKYARDS!

WAIT TILL IT HAPPENS TO THEIR MOTHERS, DAUGHTERS, SISTERS AND WIFE (WIVES FOR SOME!) - THEN THEY WILL KNOW THE PAIN!

Hear what JG says over BFM89.9 over its Podcasts! See below: 

http://www.bfm.my/377.html?searched=jacob+george&advsearch=oneword&highlight=ajaxSearch_highlight+ajaxSearch_highlight1+ajaxSearch_highlight2

KEEPING THEM HONEST – JUDGE DOES RIGHT IN WITHDRAWING FROM HEARING PETE’S CASE!

KEEPING THEM HONEST – JUDGE DOES RIGHT IN WITHDRAWING FROM HEARING PETE’S CASE!

I am indeed glad to hear that our federal Court justice Augustine Paul has removed himself from hearing Malaysia Today editor Raja Petra Raja Kamaruddin’s application to recuse the judge from hearing his habeas corpus appeal application.

The Federal Court is also slated to decide on the appeal filed by the government against the Shah Alam High Court’s decision to uphold his habeas corpus application and free him from Internal Security Act detention.

I was indeed saddened to read ‘Pete’s blog yesterday when he stated he prays and hopes that the Federal Court will uphold the decision of the Shah Alam High Court to free him from ISA detention!

But that if it reverses that decision he was prepared for that, as well.

What hurt me was when he stated: ‘if the Federal Court does what I fear it will do, goodbye Malaysians, and my comrade-in-arms.

We shall meet again, one day, although not in this world but the next,”

I have grown very fond of Pete and his wife Mariana and they have always been very pleasant and warm to me and my two children!

We have had very pleasant meals and discussions together!

I have asked all my friends and fellow Christians and others of all religious persuasions to conduct large scale prayer sessions for Pete!

In the meantime all I can say to you brother is – ‘The LORD will not forsake neither fail you, fear not!’

 Our campaign against RACISM of all forms!

KEEPING THEM HONEST - HILLSIDE CONSTRUCTION DEBATE REVISITED!

Keep your date with JG on BFM89.9 this afternoon at 2pm as he discusses the rather contentious issue of hillside development!
Like I indicated in my earlier blog and if your memory serves you well immediately after the 1993 Highland Towers tragedy  - the event where 48 homeowners and their families lost their lives, families were broken, fragmented and the response from all and sundry meaning:

1.       the Government,
2.       developers,
3.       local authorities and
4.       Home buyers - were a resounding – ‘NAY TO HILLSIDE DEVELOPMENT!’

This mantra was repeated soon after the Bukit Antarabangsa tragedy which killed four people and destroyed over a dozens of homes and caused economic losses in the millions!

I was told that over 300 houses were affected and the problem and threat did not end as there were soil movements that were threatening other homes in the vicinity!

If you are not from the Klang Valley may I cite some logistics as the Bukit Antarabangsa incident happened just one kilometer from the Highland Towers disaster that struck 15 years ago almost to the day on Dec 11.

From 1993 till this day the fact remains despite all the political statements there has been no let up in hillside development especially in the Klang Valley and in Penang despite the obvious dangers of landslides, collapses and death and financial losses that inevitably follow.

And why do people and particularly policymakers allow this to continue?

A question I asked over a Bernama TV Talk show with policymakers in December 2008!

The obvious – ‘tamak’ - yes indeed that powerful greed that stirs us to destroy all so that we can have more but more of what?

Truly that greed is a major factor that has camouflaged the obvious dangers, along with corruption and lack of political will to seriously enforce strict standards and safety regulations during planning, approval, construction and maintenance at hillsides.

Since the 1993 incident there has been over 12 or more cases of such tragedies in the country!

Sadly this is still happening after what we thought that the Highland Towers tragedy had brought focus on hillside development and will result in changes.

I remember the 193 incident and what followed as there was an expert inquiry and a long-drawn court case that ended in 2006 and many lessons were drawn from both events and promises made to make amends.

The inquiry and court case highlighted the inadequacy and failure of the local authorities to control and oversee indiscriminate hillside construction.

Prior to this tragedy hillside development was little understood and there was few rules and laws to regulate hillside construction.

But among the lessons I had hoped were learnt were:

1.       We must have respect for the hill as a unique geological formation and the need to strictly manage flow of water and storm water.

2.       We must do ground and soil mapping prior to such construction endeavors.

Millions have been spent in the name of research and numerous studies before and since the Highland Towers disaster have established the fact that hills, as a geological formation, took millions of years to form and stabilize. But human activities could destabilize it within weeks.

You do not have to be rocket scientists to know that the plain and simple reason for landslides is basically:

1.       uncontrolled construction,
2.       unmanaged water flow and
3.       Cheaply-build retaining walls that could not hold back the load from mud, boulders and debris made loose by water.

I specially noted the Federal Court’s final judgment that land stripped of vegetation and unmanaged water flow were partly responsible for the collapse of Block 1 of the Highland Towers.
What saddened me was that the Federal Court in the Highland Tower case ruled that local authorities are not liable for landslides, collapsed buildings and people dying which to me was a strange decision!

The court held that the funds of the local authority, which comes from ratepayers, would be depleted if it was paid out as compensation to landslide victims.

If this is allowed, the court said, local authorities could not provide essential basic services to rate payers.

Worst still the statement that:

“The provision of basic necessities for the general public has priority over compensation for pure economic loss of some individuals, who are clearly better off than the majority of the residents in the local council area,”

In my mind, I am certain we are all aware of the dangers of hillside construction but the truth is and has always been is that there are huge profits to be made from upscale hillside properties and truly this is what blinds everyone in country’s multi tier system!

Monies to be made by all from officials, developers, lawyers, buyers - are all willing to close an eye or of late – ‘both eyes’ until the next tragedy strikes!

We have problems that stare at us from the inability of local authorities to effectively oversee hillside development, for them to effectively enforce safety rules, demand frequent maintenance and follow up with frequent and stringent inspection!

I think it is befitting to end with what the nation’s top two leaders have said in regard this matter.

Malaysian Prime Minister - Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi has ordered all hillside housing projects at Bukit Antarabangsa here to be halted pending a soil stability study by the Malaysian Public Works Institute (Ikram).

Abdullah said all future projects too would also be stopped in order to prevent any further worsening of the soil conditions at the hilly area.

“I am sure this will incur the wrath of individual land owners and developers but enough is enough,” he told reporters Saturday after visiting the landslide-hit area here.

He said no further risks should be taken after two warnings of the impending dangers were issued first by the Highland Towers condominium collapse in the 1993 and then by Saturday’s tragedy.

“But Malaysians never want to learn from past experiences, they want a good view (scenery) while developers only seek to profit but no one takes safety and soil stability into consideration.

Source:  Star, 6/12/2008, PM: ‘Enough is enough, stop the hillside projects’

Deputy Prime Minister Mohd Najib Razak:

The Government will not be issuing any more permits for hillside developments following the landslide tragedy at Bukit Antarabangsa early Saturday morning.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said this on Saturday at a press conference after visiting the tragedy site.

He also told developers not to lobby or pressure the Government for any building permits for hillside development projects.

He said preventive measures must be taken to avoid hillside tragedies.

Source:  Star, 6/12/2008, No more permits for hillside projects: Najib

 Our campaign against RACISM of all forms!   

KEEPING THEM HONEST - KEEP YOUR DATE WITH JG AT BFM89.9 TIME 2PM - MON TO FRI!

 Look out for more consumer issues from JG and his team from the Consumers Association of Subang and Shah Alam Selangor (CASSA).

This week - there will be a special talkshow when teenage ‘consumer activists’ speak out!

This is a ‘first’ in Malaysia and you have it at BFM89.9!

Dates will be announced soon! So stay tuned!

  Our campaign against RACISM of all forms!