06/02/2026

FRIDAY | FEB 6, 2026

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Plan to use unclaimed Sara funds to aid vulnerable groups

Enhanced digital dispute platform for consumers

A MORE comprehensive online dispute resolution (ODR) system is being developed to strengthen the alternative dispute resolution (ADR) mechanisms and provide a faster, more efficient way to resolve consumer disputes in the digital marketplace. The Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali said unlike ADR, which still relies on physical processes, ODR will fully utilise digital platforms to streamline negotiations, mediation, arbitration and hearings. “Under the e-commerce law reforms targeted for the upcoming parliamentary session, one of the planned improvements is the establishment of a government regulated ODR platform, initially focusing on complaints and cases under the ministry, with plans to eventually expand across Malaysia’s entire e-commerce ecosystem. “This is necessary in view of the high volume of complaints, enhancing consumer protection while simultaneously developing a healthy, sustainable and progressive e commerce ecosystem.” Armizan added that between 2023 and 2025, a total of 136,082 complaints related to fraud or scams in commercial transactions were received, with 83,239 falling under the jurisdiction of the ministry. “The highest number of complaints involved allegations of online fraud, totaling 33,400 cases. They included issues such as misleading pricing of goods or services, non receipt of purchased items, goods or services not being as advertised, online piracy, counterfeit products and the promotion of online pyramid schemes.” Armizan said the penalties vary depending on the offence and the laws applied. He said between 2023 and 2025, a total of 1,136 cases were handled under several laws, with total fines reaching RM880,625. Indian community programmes to continue: Minister THE Malaysian Indian Transformation (Mitra) unit will continue its mission to drive socio economic development for the Indian community, despite its transfer to the Human Resources Ministry, its minister Datuk Seri R. Ramanan assured yesterday. He said the shift underscores the government’s commitment to advancing the welfare, social mobility, and human capital of the Indian community in a more integrated and impactful manner. “Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim believes that positioning Mitra under the ministry will not compromise its core mission,” Ramanan said during the Ministers’ Question Time. “On the contrary, it strengthens Mitra by embedding Indian community development initiatives within the country’s broader human resource development agenda.” Ramanan was responding to a question from Kalam Salan (PN-Sabak Bernam) who sought assurances that placing Mitra under a heavily tasked ministry would not undermine the interests and welfare of the Indian community. He emphasised that the move aims to ensure that the planning, execution and monitoring of Mitra programmes are conducted in a more organised, systematic and effective manner. “This aligns with the ministry’s policies on workforce development, employability, skills enhancement and social protection.”

Ű BY QIRANA NABILLA MOHD RASHIDI newsdesk@thesundaily.com

o RM150 million to be redirected to domestic violence shelters, persons with disabilities, special-needs students and student meal banks, says finance minister II

“The government aims to further expand small grocery partners to 10,000 by the end of 2026, cutting the average distance to the nearest outlet from 10km to seven.” He described these measures as part of a broader strategy to ensure Sara is inclusive, responsive and effectively targeted at Malaysians facing high living costs. “Through the MyKad credit system, the government can monitor implementation and ensure that the targeted groups truly benefit. “The year-on-year increase in Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sara allocations shows the government’s commitment to strengthening the social safety net.” The second round of the RM100 one off Sara aid will be credited next week, with RM2.2 billion allocated for all Malaysian citizens aged 18 and above. No application is required. “The aid will automatically be loaded onto recipients’ MyKad and can be used until Dec 31 this year. “Eligibility can be verified starting today through sara.gov.my,” said Amir Hamzah. “As long as a site is not gazetted, there is always a risk. Once a green space is lost, it cannot be replaced. That is why we must conserve and safeguard these areas.” Efforts are also underway to identify potential new green spaces, including working with developers to incorporate additional greenery in redevelopment projects. The task force’s work comes amid growing calls from architects and urban planners to transform neglected playgrounds and underused areas into inclusive green spaces, theSun reported on Sunday. Malaysian Institute of Architects president Adrianta Aziz said existing guidelines should be updated to reflect evolving lifestyles. “From an architectural perspective, concepts like placemaking and adaptive reuse can turn underused or neglected spaces into meaningful public areas designed for people, not just structures.” Universiti Malaya urban and regional planning expert Dr Noor Hashimah Hashim Lim echoed the call, noting that Malaysia currently measures green space by land size per population, a method she says should be revised to align with global standards. “Access to green spaces is a matter of equity and a basic human right and local authorities must ensure this is non negotiable.” – By Qirana Nabilla Mohd Rashidi

PETALING JAYA: RM150 million in unclaimed Sara funds will be redirected to the country’s most vulnerable, Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan announced yesterday, as the government steps up efforts to protect Malaysians struggling with rising living costs. During Dewan Rakyat question time, Amir Hamzah said the unspent allocations from the 2025 one off Sara programme will benefit residents of domestic violence shelters, persons with disabilities, students with special needs, underprivileged patients and student meal banks. “This includes residents of shelters under the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry, persons with disabilities and students with special needs under the Education Ministry. “It also covers procurement of medical devices via the Health Ministry and the establishment of student kitchen meal banks, with a

The minister noted that Sara transactions reached RM4.8 billion in 2025, with 99% of nearly 5.6 million recipients using the cashless MyKad system to purchase basic goods at registered outlets.

dedicated allocation of RM15 million under the Higher Education Ministry.” Amir Hamzah stressed that reallocating unspent funds reflects prudent financial management while strengthening the nation’s social safety net.

AT THE DEWAN RAKYAT

Looking ahead, frozen foods may be added as a new category, while eligible items have expanded from 10 in 2024 to 14 in 2025. Fresh produce remains under review to ensure quality and safety. Amir Hamzah also highlighted the growth of the Sara merchant network, which now includes 10,771 partner outlets nationwide, up from 700 in 2024, with over 3,000 independent grocery stores.

“It underscores the government’s more targeted and inclusive approach in addressing social welfare challenges.” He was responding to a question from Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa (PH-Sekijang) regarding total Sara disbursements, local market transactions, unspent balances as of Dec 31 and planned improvements for 2026.

Task force formed to gazette, protect KL green spaces PETALING JAYA: The Federal Territories Department has launched a dedicated task force to fast-track the official gazettement of Kuala Lumpur’s open and green spaces in a move aimed at safeguarding urban greenery from development pressures. are formally gazetted. “The team has been instructed to work as quickly as possible, though timelines may differ depending on each site’s technical and procedural requirements.” transparency on the status of green spaces. connect communities, and are vital for Kuala Lumpur’s efforts to become a smart rainwater management city. Every green space matters.” She warned that sites not formally gazetted remain vulnerable to ownership disputes or conversion for other uses.

“Communities in Kuala Lumpur have consistently asked for clearer access to information so that people can enjoy, preserve and protect these valuable areas,” she said, noting that the matter had been raised during engagement sessions with residents. Yeoh highlighted the wider importance of green and open spaces in urban areas. “In a rapidly developing city, these spaces are not just for recreation. They support healthier lifestyles,

Yeoh said 494 green and open space sites have already been gazetted and are publicly accessible on the Federal Territories Land and Mines website, while another 256 sites are still under process. The move responds to long standing calls by civil society groups and residents’ associations for greater

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Hannah Yeoh said the task force will identify technical gaps, resolve administrative delays and improve coordination among relevant agencies to ensure all remaining sites

Yeoh said 494 green and open spaces have been gazetted while another 256 sites are still under process. – AMIRUL SYAFIQ/THESUN