06/04/2026

MONDAY | APR 6, 2026

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Malaysian Paper

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Homegrown holidays take centre stage at Matta Fair

Profiteering, not fuel, behind fish price hikes

Ű BY T.C. KHOR newsdesk@thesundaily.com

GEORGE TOWN: Rising fish prices should not be pinned on diesel costs which remain subsidised but on profiteering along the supply chain, with traders warned against exploiting the situation. Fisheries Development Authority of Malaysia chairman Muhammad Faiz Fadzil said subsidies remain intact at RM1.65 per litre, ensuring continued support for fishermen. “Don’t take advantage,”he told reporters after Amanah’s Hari Raya open house in Teluk Kumbar here on Saturday. He said reports of price increases were concerning but stressed that hikes typically occur during supply shortages – a situation he insisted does not apply now. “There is enough fish, there is plenty – prices usually go up when there is no fish. But there is fish.” Faiz, who is also Amanah secretary-general and Penang chairman, said the issue lies at the market level, pointing to transportation costs and wholesalers rather than fishermen as the source of the problem. He added that Malaysia’s fish self-sufficiency rate stands at about 90%, with only around 10% imported while annual landings total roughly 1.2 million metric tonnes. He added that Putrajaya is reviewing subsidy distribution to better support all fishing zones, including C2 deep-sea operators who currently do not receive subsidies. “We are looking at how to redistribute the quota to better support all zones,” he said. theSun recently reported Faiz as saying fishermen are allocated up to 50 litres of subsidised petrol daily, with additional fuel costs borne by operators, including through Budi95 at RM1.56 per litre. About 70 million litres of subsidised fuel are allocated monthly to fishermen nationwide, covering only part of operating costs. Faiz added that the government also provides cost-of-living allowances and catch incentives to sustain fishermen and ensure a stable national supply. Fire Dept curbs non-essential travel BATU KAWAN: The Fire and Rescue Department has introduced cost-saving measures, including limiting the movement of non-critical vehicles, in response to rising fuel costs and supply constraints. Department director-general Datuk Seri Nor Hisham Mohammad said the steps aim to optimise diesel and petrol usage without affecting emergency readiness. “For fire operation vehicles, there is no compromise. Utility vehicles and non-critical activities, however, will have restricted movement. We are also conducting meetings online to reduce travel,” he told reporters on Saturday. State directors have been instructed to reorganise departmental programmes, including public education initiatives, to minimise vehicle use. Nor Hisham added the department is engaging the Volunteer Fire Brigade on fuel cost impacts, with the possibility of submitting subsidy requests to the government. The volunteer brigade has not yet received fuel subsidies, but the matter can be reviewed as they also rely on diesel and petrol.” Meanwhile, the department has recorded a 40% surge in fire incidents over the past two weeks compared with the same period last year. The fires, mainly in secondary forests and oil palm plantations, have affected expanded areas, with several in Pahang and Johor exceeding 100ha. Nor Hisham cited hot, dry conditions and ongoing open burning as contributing factors. – Bernama

o Crowds flock to local destinations as visitors prioritise value and safety while overseas trips take backseat amid global uncertainties

Ű BY HARITH KAMAL AND KIRTINEE RAMESH newsdesk@thesundaily.com

PETALING JAYA: Lengthy and costly approval processes for private hospitals are under renewed scrutiny, with industry players warning that persistent regulatory delays risk driving up healthcare costs and ultimately burdening patients. The Association of Private Hospitals Malaysia (APHM) has welcomed the Health Minister’s acknowledgement of delays in registering new facilities, describing the issue as long-standing and in urgent need of reform. APHM president Datuk Dr Kuljit Singh said the association has consistently raised concerns over inefficiencies in the current system, particularly involving the Certificate of Need and procedures under the Private Healthcare Facilities and Services Act (Act 586). “We are encouraged to see that attention is now being given to exploring and identifying innovative solutions to address these delays,” he said in a statement. According to APHM, each stage of registration and licence renewal involves KUALA LUMPUR: Despite economic uncertainty and global tensions, Malaysians flocked in droves to the Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (Matta) Fair 2026, hunting for holiday bargains, exclusive packages and a chance to plan escapes at home and abroad. The Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (Mitec) buzzed with activity on Saturday. Domestic travel booths were jam-packed with visitors scouring discounted flights, tour packages and holiday experiences. By contrast, the international travel sections drew a quieter but steady stream of curious travellers – a sign of cautious optimism amid conflicts in the Middle East and fluctuating currency rates. For 28-year-old business development executive Kashful Asrar, the fair was the perfect opportunity to plan a domestic honeymoon. “I checked prices on websites and apps beforehand, so I had an idea of the deals. The Matta fair offers were really exciting.” However, he is keeping international travel on hold. “Considering the current international situation, we decided not to book anything overseas. You really have to be careful with spending now, or it’ll hit your wallet. Inflation, fuel prices, currency changes – it does make me a bit anxious,” he admitted. Yet, for Kashful, travel remains a reward for Ű BY KIRTINEE RAMESH newsdesk@thesundaily.com

Matta 2026 was a buzz of activity on Saturday with domestic travel booths jam-packed as visitors hunted for discounted flights and tour packages. – ADIB RAWI YAHYA/THESUN

586 to address inefficiencies contributing to rising healthcare costs. Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said the move follows discussions at the joint ministerial committee meeting on private healthcare costs, involving Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan, Bank Negara Malaysia and private hospital chief executives. In a statement on X, Dzulkefly said the ministry has invited private hospitals to participate in the Medical and Health Insurance/Takaful base plan as Tier 1 providers, with a pilot programme to be rolled out in stages across the Greater Klang Valley from July 2026. He added that Diagnosis-Related Groups will be implemented for Tier 1 hospitals beginning January 2027, aimed at improving pricing transparency and predictability, while shifting from a fee-for-service model to one focused on patient outcomes. Additionally, hospitals are encouraged to join the Malaysia Digital Health Certification Network and share radiology data to reduce duplication of tests and help lower costs. Saudi government,” she said. The appeal of the fair extends beyond international travel. Public relations executive Visha Ram, 29, accompanied her mother in search of domestic holiday deals, eyeing destinations such as Semporna, Pulau Tioman and Pulau Redang. “Domestic travel is still manageable, but it requires more careful planning. “Fuel prices are rising, and travelling by car is not as affordable as before. “Booking now might mean the trip costs less than later. If we have the chance, we should take it,” Visha added, noting that Malaysians are adjusting their travel choices in response to uncertainty, rather than retreating altogether. “The economy is on everyone’s mind, but people still want to see the world, especially after the pandemic lull. They’re more selective, but they’re not giving up on travelling.” Held from April 3 until yesterday at Mitec, Matta 2026 remains Malaysia’s premier travel convention, offering travellers a chance to hunt for deals, explore destinations and plan adventures – a reminder that even in uncertain times, the desire to travel endures.

protracted processes with significant financial implications, costs that may ultimately be passed on to patients. To address this, the association has thrown its support behind greater adoption of technology and digital systems to streamline applications and renewals, with the aim of reducing delays and improving efficiency. It has also proposed introducing a self regulatory mechanism for licence renewals, which it said could enhance efficiency without compromising healthcare standards. Kuljit stressed that private hospitals are meant to complement, not replace, the public healthcare system. “Efforts to contain costs must be balanced with the need to ensure the sustainability of private hospitals, so they can continue to remain efficient, innovative and aligned with global technological standards,” he said. He added that private hospitals in Malaysia have the capacity to deliver timely, high quality and value-based care, comparable to leading healthcare systems. Meanwhile, the Health Ministry is reviewing licensing and regulatory processes under Act himself and his family. Not everyone is deterred by financial concerns. IT executive Hasan Mujtaba, 26, attended the fair mainly to browse and compare deals. “I’m aware of the global and local economic challenges but the Malaysian ringgit is relatively strong against certain currencies, so I see this as a good opportunity to travel,” he said, adding that even if the economy worsens, “I’ve already set aside savings for it”. For Hasan, travel is a personal reward – a chance to explore new cultures despite the uncertainty. For others, travel carries a deeper significance. Human resources manager Tina Abdullah, 55, attended Matta to secure an umrah package for herself and her children. “Prices are higher because of global issues, but I’m budgeting carefully. “The value and importance of this trip outweigh the cost concerns,” she said. Tina added that only worsening conditions in the Middle East could deter her plans. “I’ve had assurances from travel agencies that it is still safe and Saudi Arabia is welcoming pilgrims. I trust both them and the

Regulatory delays could drive up healthcare costs