Posted by Jayson4896 > 2020-06-15 10:13 | Report Abuse

Wah, Keep Dropping...

Posted by AGESON IS THE BEST > 2020-06-15 12:12 | Report Abuse

Nice , keep on collecting....

Posted by Ginger Spice > 2020-06-15 12:15 | Report Abuse

Conditional MCO: Hair salons, barber shops don't make the cut

If you go the mamak stall, your cup of tea would cost RM1.20. At a kopitiam, you may end up paying RM2 while at a roastery and coffee house chain, it would be RM8. If you want your tea served in China cups with silver spoons, be prepared to part with RM18 plus taxes at a five-star hotel. Similarly, the price of the humble roti canai can vary from RM1.20 at the mamak stall to RM45 in a five-star hotel.

Posted by Ginger Spice > 2020-06-15 12:15 | Report Abuse

You, the consumer will have to decide where you want to have your cuppa. When comparing prices of those at the stall and the hotel, could it be excessive profiteering? Could you complain about the price disparity? You can’t and there is no law – written or otherwise – that can compel standardising prices of goods or services. Yet, over the years, the government has shown that it would not interfere in a free market where prices are determined by supply and demand. Prices were never regulated. The exceptions have been the prices of some essential goods, including sugar, cooking oil and flour – but not haircuts! (During festive periods, about two dozen items are added to the list temporarily.)

Posted by Ginger Spice > 2020-06-15 12:16 | Report Abuse

The principle is simple – the consumer decides. If you want to drink your tea in a conducive environment where you want to be noticed by the Joneses, be prepared to pay the price. But if price is a factor, by all means pull up a stool and sit under the withering sun at the stall. Therefore, the threat by Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Alexander Nanta Linggi to go after barbershops which increase prices of haircuts can be described as hollow and heedless.

Posted by Ginger Spice > 2020-06-15 12:16 | Report Abuse

The price of a haircut, like the tea and roti canal, is not controlled. Hence, the haircut can cost as little as RM14 in barbershops and as much as RM80 in upmarket salons. If the barbershop operator decides to impose an additional RM5 for the protective gear which he has to use, what’s the issue? The minister said that if the process of cutting hair involves only the use of a face mask, disposable apron, gloves and hand sanitiser, then only the cost of these items can be charged on the customer other than the original cost for a haircut. For example, if the additional items comprise RM3 for a plastic apron, gloves (50 sen) and hand sanitiser (30 sen), the total additional cost is only RM3.80, and barbershops cannot impose additional charges, Linggi was quoted as saying.

Posted by Ginger Spice > 2020-06-15 12:16 | Report Abuse

He quoted Section 14 of the Price Control Act, which states: Any person who, in the course of trade or business, profiteers in selling or offering to sell or supplying or offering to supply any goods or services, commits an offence. The operative word is “profiteer”. Which business or trade does not make a profit in its dealings? To say that the minister's argument is utter bunkum would be an understatement. Using his same logic, can he decree the size of the profits which can be made by businesses? Are manufacturers of carbonated drinks making excessive profits by retailing their cans at RM2.50 because the key ingredients are just syrup, water, sugar and carbon dioxide which gives the fizz? Would he or the ministry break down the cost of each item and come up with a “reasonable price”?

Posted by Ginger Spice > 2020-06-15 12:17 | Report Abuse

Linggi also said the ministry’s enforcement personnel will carry out inspections at barbershops, hair salons and others to ensure no operators take advantage of the situation and burden consumers. Really? For what? What a waste of human resources! The officers will be better off doing their inspections elsewhere, which would enhance consumer protection. These outlets are not committing any offence as long as they display the scale of their charges in a prominent place of their business. If they display a sign saying “Haircuts for RM100”, the ministry can’t do a darn thing.

Posted by Ginger Spice > 2020-06-15 12:17 | Report Abuse

And more importantly, the ministry cannot dictate the pricing. Again, it is determined by market forces. If the consumer feels it is expensive, he will go and find a cheaper place. Yes, everyone is trying to do something for the people during these difficult times – but shouldn’t proper thought have gone into such pronouncements before they are made?

Posted by Ginger Spice > 2020-06-15 12:20 | Report Abuse

“In Penang there are about 150 barber shops involving about 450 barbers. Our lives were severely affected. It’s been over two months since the store opened and we have no monthly income. We lose the source of income between RM2,000 to RM3,000 a month,” said chairman, M. Tamilmany in a statement recorded by BERNAMA.

While the association acknowledges the importance of safe social distancing and hygiene, the chairman said barbers are able to follow these SOPs and pleaded with the government to allow hair cutting services in green zones. “Many customers have asked us to go to their houses and cut their hair but we can’t because we are following the SOPs of the CMCO.”

Posted by UNITED KINGDOM > 2020-06-15 12:21 | Report Abuse

Thumps up! Now under the present government some even get to hold 2 jobs and get paid heafty salaries for doing nothing. That is profiteering!!

Posted by UZUMAKI YAKUZA > 2020-06-15 12:22 | Report Abuse

They are paid not just hefty salaries for 2 jobs but probably also several pensions for their past services. The amount in monthly salaries plus pensions paid to some govt leaders, especially to those who have been in politics for well over 40 years, will shock you !!!

Posted by DatoSeriJohnnyWalker > 2020-06-15 12:22 | Report Abuse

Pathetic law makers or defaulters? Beggars has better dignity then cheats, plunderers, thieves and liars from the back door government!

Posted by GoodieTwoShoe > 2020-06-15 12:23 | Report Abuse

It depends very much on the skill of the barber, nice , fast annd clean ! Many would not mind paying extra for the service. Barbers don't earn enough according to their skills.
Paying for electricity and water is also a hidden cost.Charging extra for face mask is not an issue at all !

Posted by Josephine Tan Su May > 2020-06-15 12:24 | Report Abuse

agree why cant the politicians enact a law to standardized prices a coding to venue and lovation... coffee...liquor..beer...haircuts....soft drinks...etc..

Posted by Kingsley > 2020-06-15 12:25 | Report Abuse

Sometimes we forget that barbers and hairdressers have no income for the past 3 months. If they are going to raise prices a little so that they can catch up with their mortgage or rental commitments, we should let them. If some people wants to fuss about the price, then stay home and cut your own hair because it is free.

Posted by 靓女PHOONPHOON > 2020-06-15 12:26 | Report Abuse

I think the Gov is talking about the incremental price due to the cost of PPEs, not the price of the haircut itself. My friendly barber charges me RM12 and I would expect the price to go up by the incremental cost of the PPE.

Posted by OCTAGON > 2020-06-15 12:27 | Report Abuse

Halo pintu belakang mari lah. What do you expect.

Posted by Ivanka Trump USA > 2020-06-15 12:27 | Report Abuse

Another educated, experienced powderful minister.

Posted by USHER > 2020-06-15 12:28 | Report Abuse

I believe the Minister was only speaking for the common man who goes to the normal barber who charges between RM12 - RM14 for a normal haircut. If the barber charges RM10 additional for PPE then it is too much for the common person to pay. So the Minister suggested RM3.80 for PPE so that there is no profiteering by the barber on PPE as his main business is hair cutting not selling PPE. If somebody wants to get a haircut in a high class saloon for RM80 and pay another RM50 for PPE, that is his business. Though this is a backdoor govt, we should not look at everything it says or does from the negative point of view.

Posted by YO MAN WHATZUP?! > 2020-06-15 12:30 | Report Abuse

YO YO YO

Posted by YO MAN WHATZUP?! > 2020-06-15 12:30 | Report Abuse

Whatzzzzzzzzuppppppppppppppppp

Posted by Bon Jovi > 2020-06-15 12:31 | Report Abuse

Hello, going for a hair cut is one of the 'necessities' of the B40 group. Maybe only the rich can leave prices to 'market forces'.

Posted by UraniumKing68 > 2020-06-15 12:32 | Report Abuse

Malaysian has the habit and notion to pay more to show one status. Kocek kosong tidak ape, gaya mesti mahu ade. Expensive makes you look good! FAT Mama Rosie RM1500/- ’horrible’ hairdo is a very good example. ..kaya tapi takde gaya!

Posted by NancyDrewWhite > 2020-06-15 12:33 | Report Abuse

After suffering the first round from the Covid-19 pandemic and MCO, the people are suffering from the second round of price hikes. The Quick Cut hair saloon near my place has increased its price by RM4 which is a hefty 22% increase. Some restaurants have increased their prices by a few ringgit extra. Are the price hikes permanent?

During the MCO, most of us have learnt to do things ourselves like cooking, cutting hair, making face masks, etc. We can put this skills into good use and avoid overpriced shops and services that prey on us.

The govt has pumped funds to help the businesses, but some businesses are only interested to make more profit from the people unscrupulously. They don't deserve receiving help using the taxpayers' money. What is the govt doing to help the people who suffer from profiteering?

Posted by GodOfWar > 2020-06-15 12:34 | Report Abuse

Smart people running the ministry! More likely they would threatened to close shop and barber has no means to fight so they get their way!

Posted by UmbrellaCorp > 2020-06-15 12:42 | Report Abuse

Panel of professionals shocked at conditions in Jln Othman Market

Petaling Jaya residents from the Persatuan Penduduk Petaling Jaya (MYPJ) have expressed their shock and dismay at conditions in the Jalan Othman Market, calling them deplorable and questioning its readiness for reopening after the Covid-19 lockdown under the enhanced movement control order (EMCO).

This was after a team of 10 professionals and experts went on a private inspection of the Jalan Othman market area in Petaling Jaya Old Town, which had been under lockdown since May 10 and is scheduled to reopen today.

"The team was shocked at the deplorable condition of the market despite the intensive cleaning effort by the city council and tenants.

"The severely dilapidated infrastructure itself prevents effective cleaning or disinfecting operations as broken tiles and flooring cover over 80 percent of the wall and floor surface," they said in a statement this morning.

"The numerous holes and cracks will play host to dangerous bacteria and are compounded by a large rodent population. Hand washing sinks and washing facilities were sparse and not strategically placed," they added, saying that some spaces in between stalls were so narrow that the social distancing markings on the floor were meaningless.

The panel also claimed that it conducted informal conversations with many traders indicating that many do not yet understand the legal, technical and public health requirements for reopening.

The MYPJ Panel of experts is headed by engineer Esham Salam and includes Dr Vincent Ng, the former deputy director-general of the Department of Veterinary Services, physician and public health expert Dr Khor Swee Kheng, Dr Joe Walter, Eric Chew of the Malaysia Crime Prevention Foundation, Dr Teh Yik Koon of the National Defence University and several other experienced professionals.

"In physical terms, the cleanliness is not assured, and major renovations are still ongoing in major common areas This is our conclusion after the site inspection by MYPJ panel of experts on the morning of June 5, 2020.

"Overall, this iconic and oldest market in Petaling Jaya had been neglected for decades, and the current hygiene condition, especially in a Covid-19 context, is unacceptable," they added.

They expressed their fears that with the influx of customers coming back to the market, there is a real threat that the market may experience another lockdown.

"Therefore, MYPJ strongly encourages all citizens of Petaling Jaya to avoid patronising the Jalan Othman Market for the foreseeable future and for their own safety," they said.

Understanding that the traders need a source of income and citizens need a source of fresh and nutritious food, the MYPJ recommended the following:

1. To keep the Jalan Othman Market closed until renovations have been completed to public health specifications detailed by the MBPJ Health Department.

2. MBPJ to provide alternative temporary sites for traders in the nearby vicinity of the Jalan Othman Market. Scholars from Universiti Malaya have identified several sites that can house temporary prefabricated structures to allow traders to continue operations.

3. A waiver of rental fees for traders until further notice.

4. Citizens to use public pressure to demand MBPJ balance between health, economic and food supply concerns.

The group also called on the city councillors and elected state representatives in Petaling Jaya to work closely with the stakeholders and NGOs to ensure the safety of the market traders and customers.

"For many years, MYPJ has advocated for an upgrading exercise for the Jalan Othman Market. The Covid19 pandemic is now providing a life-threatening reason for this exercise to take place immediately," it said.

The closure of the Petaling Jaya Old Town market along Jalan Othman more than a month ago has brought to fore several sinister happenings and the wheeling and dealing of parties occupying the more than 400 stalls within.

Most glaring of them is the pajak system in which many of the stalls rented out by the Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) to local traders for between RM48 and RM140 per month have been leased to, among others, undocumented foreigners for up to 30 times the amount.

This amount is supposed to cover water, electricity and cleaning of the public areas. The total cost of these amenities is more than RM40,000 a month.

In a month, there have been feet-dragging, uncertainty and indecision and this has resulted in a “you versus us” battle as residents are demanding more transparency and accountability from the council.

Posted by YoungTycoonWILL > 2020-06-15 12:43 | Report Abuse

Was this issue raised when PH was in power and in charge of local council?Why did PH council members allowed this to continue during their short term?If PH councilors had made changes foreigners would not be using the stalls and market would not be neglected.So even PH councilors were no better!

Posted by HELLO, I AM GOD! > 2020-06-15 12:45 | Report Abuse

PR n PH ruled that state for 12 yrs and allowed their filthy party supporters to wilfully bring this market to the current state of affairs!

Posted by HELLO, I AM GOD! > 2020-06-15 12:46 | Report Abuse

abang adik....

Posted by O'Brian > 2020-06-15 12:46 | Report Abuse

Petaling Jaya is a PH constituency and the MPs have shamelessly pandered to the 'capital players' who have been calling the shots. Even as a PH supporter I can see that PH is just as guilty as BN is in mollifying it's voter base. Disgraceful! The market is a harzardous place and it is a near impossible to rejuvenate the premises and the practices. It should be demolished completely and replaced by a new sanitary building. Shame on you PH!

Posted by Printing U$Dollar U$Dollar U$Dollar > 2020-06-15 12:48 | Report Abuse

Just follow Penang. The local councils here have done a marvelous job since the PH govt came to power. Look at the make over of Chowrasta Market. Used to be filthy, rats running around, illegal stalls outside around the marker, lorries haphazardly parked and many utilities not working. Now its a pleasure to go there. No need to bring all the PJ Councillors here for holiday, just request for assistance and I am sure YB Yagdeep will be willing to dispatch/loan personnel to make over PJ Old town market. i thought Sgor is under PH so what was that traitor Azmin doing as MB? Must have been busy hanging around hotels with traitors and enjoying g.a.y s.e.x.

Posted by JessicaSimpsons > 2020-06-15 12:48 | Report Abuse

I am particularly exasperated by those NGOs who wants to defend the indefensible over the issues of illegals. Even the legals are misusing their permits. These are happening all over the wet markets at least in the Klang valley as exposed thanks to covid19. Not only in wet markets, walk into China town which is a misnomer. It should be Bangla Town. In fact this scenario is duplicated all over. Walk into Chow kit and you will see the same. This is only a tip of the iceberg pertaining to the outrageous activities of foreign migrants, legals and illegals alike. I did told the NGOs to conduct a survey so that they can have a clearer overall picture of their illegal activities including some shady activities like forgeries. The NGOs has a job to do but must be discerning and not always shoot from the hips. Only a small % got cheated but most of them prefer to stay illegals for reasons best suited to them. I don't deny that they will need the locals and certain Govt officials to be complicit but that's another matter for the relevant authorities to look into. As for now there are more reasons to remove them than to allow them to be here. Assets to certain section of people but liabilities to most Malaysians.

Posted by KennyDowJones > 2020-06-15 12:50 | Report Abuse

This much is certain. There is corruption running amok in the Council. And there are corrupt politicians working hand in glove with the wet market mafia.

What is also clear is that no amount of occasional editorializing will effect the change we desire. While Nadeswaran has done right by allowing us a peek into the goings on, what is needed here is a full expose' - with the names and photographs of the politicians involved together with those in MBPJ who make the big decisions on who gets what and for how much.

What is also required is direct action by citizens and residents' associations who can provide visual and statistical data on the number of foreigners running these stalls, video evidence on the filth that does not bother MBPJ or the politicians and even information on the taikos who control the operations.

I understand that corruption in this country is now right across the board including the custodians of law and order, regulators and even those accountable for preventive measures. As such, complaints may not go anywhere. What just might work is a relentless campaign of name and shame - a campaign that will train a spotlight on the rodents and vermin in MBPJ and related agencies. A light so bright they will have no place to hide.

Sunlight is a great sanitizer.

Posted by O'MIGHTY > 2020-06-15 13:59 | Report Abuse

Come what the government be. But internal corruption is ever pervasive.

Posted by AGESON IS THE BEST > 2020-06-15 14:00 | Report Abuse

A much overdue expose, hopefully we will see the needed changes soon. MBPJ must be TIDOR experts.

Posted by Ivanka Trump USA > 2020-06-15 14:02 | Report Abuse

Why are we not surprised? This is the name of the game and has been so for as long as the market has been operating. It takes the ever fearless Nades to bell the cat. Where there is a licensing opportunity by local government, corruption is present. It is like shit and flies....ever present. There is little hope for change. There are politicians who are serious about the community . Rajiv Rishakaran is one who has been trying very hard to find a solution, for both the traders and the surrounding community that is dependent on this market. With the foreign operations gone the plight of traders is getting workers. This is not going to be easy.

Posted by 靓女PHOONPHOON > 2020-06-15 14:03 | Report Abuse

For once, they seem to have his eyes peeled up w good observation!

These matters are not typical to PJ alone.

These politicians, be it MCA or DAP fellas seem to have it in their mind that wet and dirty market is their voter fishing grounds and thus would want to "protect their party platform" by defending these filthy traders at all cost!

For long these traders have funded the grassroots DAP. Though may of them only trade in PJ Old Town, they don't reside there and neither are they the voters!

Since these lots are offered to:

"local traders for between RM48 and RM140 per month & have been leased to, among others, undocumented foreigners for up to 30 times the amount" ,

why should the Selangor citizens and PJ Ratepayers allow these greedy fella's to profiteer? Having offered these lots cheap to the traders and given that the goods sold there are not any cheaper, why should PJ Ratepayers robbed of whats rightfully due as market rate for lots in premier location?

MBPJ should take opportunity of this pandemic and the health issues created by the traders to auction the lots for every 2 year period. Reasonable start up rates should be quoted and only the active traders are allowed to bid together with new ones. Those who owe past rental and those who have properties in PJ area who hadnt paid assessment and quit rent should be barred.

Their status as tax payer should be checked w LHDN and details of their family members be taken so that when transfers were to happen for any reason, its only these family members who should be allowed to trade.

Allocate few stalls for chicken, mutton, beef, vegetable sellers, dry food, egg sellers etc and enforce health standards at all times.

Those flouting should be suspended immediately and with repeated offences their stall should be offered to next person on the list who had earlier bid!

Don't let this chance to go to waste!

Posted by DatoSeriJohnnyWalker > 2020-06-15 14:05 | Report Abuse

Corruption. Corruption. Corruption. Involving YBs, Many little & semi Napoleans in MPSJ. Selangor Royalty, perhaps should be briefed on real situation.

Posted by YoungTycoonWILL > 2020-06-15 14:05 | Report Abuse

A timely expose. The state of our wet markets some will say reflects the state of our nation. Clean up our markets. And perhaps things will also change elsewhere.

Posted by UraniumKing68 > 2020-06-15 14:06 | Report Abuse

Very good expose on areas that really impacted the local community. Considering what you said about the complicity of politicians, city Councillors, business owners, i am not so sure that local election in PJ would result in much change.

Secondly, I grew up in the era of AliBaba - Malays derisively being called as rent seekers, stupid voters and lazy businessmen. I was told to look up to the Chinese businessmen because they are hard working, enterprising, great business ethics, smart voters and upstanding taxpayers. I didn’t realize that they also do BabaGanesh (Ganesh being Nepalese, Bangladeshi and such) business.

Posted by Kingsley > 2020-06-15 14:07 | Report Abuse

The Meru wet market has the same stench as the PJ market.. But then again could the source the stench be from the Majlis Perbandaran Kelang?

Posted by JessicaSimpsons > 2020-06-15 14:08 | Report Abuse

This corrupt Pajak system is practiced by politicians and their cronies in collusion with the local authorities. DBKL stalls are all pajak systen,Ramadan stalls all over the country are given to cronies who rent them to foreigners.The Deepavali stalls in Brickfields and other places are rented to banglas by cronies.

Posted by GoodieTwoShoe > 2020-06-15 14:10 | Report Abuse

Instead of comparing Singapore or Australia, all you need to do is ask our friends in Penang, as Printing U$Dollar U$Dollar U$Dollar has mentioned. Just emulate the wet market there and the job is done. QED - quite easily done!

Posted by Jason85 > 2020-06-15 15:32 | Report Abuse

Halo.. ?? nobody sell at 0.14 for me to collect?

Posted by goodiewilly > 2020-06-15 15:54 | Report Abuse

Why all politic here? Politic forum? Dato Sri Liew going for election or what?

Posted by teareader818 > 2020-06-15 18:07 | Report Abuse

Seems weird. Like sitting around chatting, waiting for the bride to make her appearance. Anyway, since I have been in early, it doesn't bother me much. Just wait and see whether there is going to have a bride at all. lol.

Posted by O'Brian > 2020-06-15 18:44 | Report Abuse

Yeah, I think the bride is as pretty as 嫦娥.....

Posted by qqqq_ss > 2020-06-15 21:23 | Report Abuse

Pinepac NTA 1.37, now 0.28 ? https://klse.i3investor.com/financial/QoQ/quarter/1902/31-Mar-2020_1533977188.jsp

Posted by LouisVuitton LV > 2020-06-15 22:30 | Report Abuse

Hmmmm