18/09/2025

THURSDAY | SEPT 18, 2025

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Rising costs of food and goods threat to tourism

UTM denies student discrimination claims JOHOR BAHRU: Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) yesterday said claims that local students were being discriminated against were unfounded, while emphasising its role as a platform for knowledge, research and innovation that shapes the progress of the people and country. It stated that every learning programme it offers is developed based on market requirement research, through the involvement of industry panellists, as well as obtaining accreditation from the relevant professional bodies. It added that the approach ensured that its curriculum remains relevant with current developments, with its graduates achieving commendable rates of employment and marketability for two consecutive years in 2023 and 2024. “At an undergraduate level, the percentage of international students in (the university) in 2024 was 7%, involving students from 56 countries, and this reflects the balance between international openness with priority for local students. “Places at the Bachelor’s level are always being increased based on the principle of meritocracy, which is inclusive of all races. As such, claims that local students are discriminated against are baseless.” The university, which ranks 153rd in the QS World University Rankings 2026, also said the negative perceptions created could damage its image. “We will continue to consistently produce quality graduates through a tradition of excellence in knowledge, based on Science, Engineering and Technology. “This commitment is in tandem with the philosophy and objectives of (our) establishment in producing competitive Malaysian talent and contributing meaningfully towards national progress.” On Monday, a media portal quoted a politician claiming that about 1.9 million local graduates from various races were not getting jobs that commensurated with their educational qualifications. The individual also claimed about 39,000 places at five public universities that were supposed to have been filled by local students had been given to foreigners. – Bernama Malacca plans sports event for special needs children MALACCA: The state government here plans to introduce a sports event for children with special needs starting next year, as part of efforts to expand existing sports development programmes. State Youth, Sports and Non-Governmental Organisations Committee chairman Datuk V.P. Shanmugam said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh recently called for the introduction of sports dedicated to the group. He said the initiative would give children with disabilities the chance to take part in sporting activities suited to their abilities. “At present, Malacca already holds three major events – the Malacca Games, State Secretary’s Office Games and the Uniformed Bodies Games. From next year, we plan to add the Special Children’s Games.” Shanmugam said the state government would also work with associations representing children with special needs to identify suitable sports events and collect data on participants before launching the programme officially. He also said the initiative would not only encourage children with special needs to participate in sports, but also help build their confidence and foster a spirit of inclusion in society. – Bernama

o Steep prices at attraction zones burden visitors and locals alike: Fomca

Ű BY QIRANA NABILLA MOHD RASHIDI newsdesk@thesundaily.com

PETALING JAYA: Malaysia’s reputation as a value-for-money destination could be at stake ahead of Visit Malaysia Year 2026 with rising food and goods prices at tourist hotspots threatening to deter travellers and deepen resentment among locals. Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations (Fomca) CEO Dr Saravanan Thambirajah said inflated prices in popular tourist areas carry a “double burden”, which means tourists are shocked by the cost while locals struggle because they depend on the same shops, restaurants and markets for essentials. He said locals, particularly those from lower and middle income households, are hit hardest as many spend nearly 40% of their income on food and daily necessities. “In certain tourism-heavy towns, the price of a meal or groceries could be up to 30% higher than in non-tourist districts. Residents then face the unfair choice of paying inflated rates or travelling elsewhere for affordable goods.” He also said Fomca and the National Consumer Complaints Centre have received numerous reports from locals in such areas. He added that the most common grievances were food and beverages priced two or three times higher than in surrounding towns, and basic goods such as bottled water, snacks and household items being sold at unjustifiable mark-ups. “A major concern is the lack of price transparency. Many businesses do not display prices, leaving consumers to deal with inflated bills only when paying. “Some residents have also highlighted dual pricing, in which foreign tourists are charged one rate while locals pay another. These practices undermine fairness and trust in the market.” He said unchecked profiteering breeds resentment. “When residents feel tourism only brings GEORGE TOWN: The Penang Hindu Association has stated that Malaysia cannot lament about brain drain issues while sidelining its own top achievers, and called on student admission division panels to respect the constitutional right to education and ensure fairer access to university placements. Its president Datuk P. Murugiah said the rejection of top scorers has become an annual crisis, with many students expressing frustration over being denied entry into courses despite good academic results. “Every year, when (Higher Education Ministry) releases its list of successful applicants, the same complaints resurface. Despite excellent grades, many are turned away from their chosen fields. This year is no different. The voices grow louder annually, yet Ű BY T.C. KHOR newsdesk@thesundaily.com

Saravanan said some residents have also highlighted dual pricing systems, in which foreign tourists are charged one rate while locals pay another. – ADIB RAWI YAHYA/THESUN

Beyond admissions, he also said systemic inequities extend to employment and economic opportunities, despite safeguards under the Employment Act 1955 and Article 8 of the Federal Constitution. Citing Public Services Commission data, he said Malaysian Indians make up only 3.7% of civil service officers. “Does this mean there is a lack of merit and competence among them to serve in government?” Murugiah also highlighted limited access to government projects, opportunities in government-linked companies and under-representation in national sports. He said the gaps stem from systemic barriers, historical neglect and restricted opportunities, not a lack of talent or interest. “Justice for minorities lies in upholding their rights to participate in society, free from discrimination and systemic oppression.” advantage against regional competitors such as Thailand, where tourist spending is higher. “Malaysia is still considered affordable because of the weak ringgit, but that image (becomes) fragile when cases of overcharging or hidden prices surface at tourist destinations, such as in the recent Langkawi water activities incident.” He said if a tourist pays RM10 for a bottle of mineral water in Port Dickson or Langkawi, the experience would be judged against Thai beach towns, where prices are prominently displayed and spending is more transparent. Mohd Hafiz also said if locals feel priced out of their own city centres, resentment towards tourism could grow, driven by higher living costs, overcrowding and perceptions of unfairness. He cited social media flare-ups such as the Langkawi “ikan siakap” (barramundi) case as proof of how quickly price controversies could spark public anger and tarnish the image of the country. “A balance could be struck if policies promote transparent pricing and tiered options, especially in rural and island destinations. “With the right incentives, businesses could stay profitable while keeping prices fair, preventing ‘tourist-only economies’ and preserving Malaysia’s reputation as an (affordable) destination.”

the (not found) a solution,” he told theSun . “With merited candidates sidelined, the system becomes skewed, disadvantaging high achievers and eroding equity.” He was responding to a ministry official’s claim that rejections happen because the number of high achievers exceeds available seats at public universities. “Can’t the ministry restructure the quota system to expand the intake so that high achievers (receive) places in public universities?” He added that it is the country’s education system that enables students to achieve near-perfect CGPAs and it is unjust to deny them opportunities for higher education simply because of rigid quotas. He said while intake at matriculation colleges has increased, the number of places at universities has not kept pace, leaving many high achievers stranded. higher costs without tangible benefits, they may grow hostile towards visitors and unsupportive of government tourism policies. This risks damaging Malaysia’s reputation as a welcoming destination. “The solution lies in inclusivity. Locals must share in the benefits of tourism, whether through jobs, infrastructure improvements or affordable access to essentials.” Saravanan said while the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011 empowers the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry to act against profiteering, enforcement in tourist areas has been inconsistent. “Seasonal price controls are applied on selected essentials during festive periods but many businesses exploit weak monitoring. Tourists in particular are less likely to complain due to lack of awareness or language barriers. “Authorities could balance profit and fairness by requiring transparent pricing, stepping up enforcement and encouraging community-based alternatives. Businesses in tourist zones should be mandated to display prices clearly, with regular checks to ensure compliance.” Universiti Teknologi Mara tourism economics lecturer Prof Dr Mohd Hafiz Hanafiah echoed the concern, adding that rising menu prices and inflated costs of goods at tourist hotspots are eroding Malaysia’s Education Ministry has

Group calls for fairer access to university placements