YPNM Sarawak seminar sharing with KPDN & OSHA collaboration with Sarawak Restaurant Association

5th November 2024 – Yayasan Pengguna Negara Malaysia (YPNM), Cawangan Sarawak had the privilege to host the seminar on “Insights into The Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011” and “Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) 2022” in
collaboration with Sarawak Restaurant Association. This seminar was hosted at the Grand Riverine Ballroom by Lok Thian which aims to provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011 and the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) 2022, including its key provisions, enforcement mechanisms, and the responsibilities of businesses under this law.

Additionally, this seminar seeks to strengthen collaboration between the business community and regulatory bodies to promote a balanced and transparent marketplace in Sarawak.

The seminar, presented by Tuan Mohamad Hazim bin Ja’afar (Pegawai Penguat Kuasa KP41, Kementerian Perdagangan Dalam Negeri Dan Kos Sara Hidup, Sarawak), aimed to educate participants – primarily coffee shop and restaurant traders on their responsibilities regarding price marking as outlined in Section 10 of the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011. By adhering to these regulations, traders not only provide consumers with clear information on the goods they sell but also project a positive and ethical image for their businesses.

Tuan Hazim emphasized that maintaining transparency through proper price marking fosters trust between traders and consumers and enhances the overall integrity of the market. He also reminded attendees that consumers can lodge complaints related to KPDN through various channels, including WhatsApp at 019-8488000, via email at e-aduan@kpdn.gov.my, or by visiting their nearest KPDN branch.

Dr. Ling Yee Soon (林以宋博士), a DOSH Registered CHRA Chemical Health Risk Assessor and NRA Noise Risk Assessor (职安全与健康部门（DOSH）认证的 OSHC 培训中心， CHRA 化学品健康风险评估师和 NRA 噪音风险评估师), highlighted the significant amendments to the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) 2022, which took effect on June 1, 2024. These amendments introduced stricter penalties for non-compliance, including fines of up to RM 500,000 or imprisonment for up to two years. The revised act now extends to all economic sectors, mandating that any workplace with five or more employees appoint an OSH Coordinator. Failure to comply may result in fines of up to RM 50,000 or imprisonment for up to six months. He also emphasized that many local entrepreneurs and consumers, whether employers or employees have a limited understanding of OSHA and its compliance requirements. They may not fully grasp their rights and protections under this law. For restaurant entrepreneurs in particular, understanding the fundamental occupational safety and health obligations is essential to ensure a safe environment for both employees and customers.

Kapitan. Stanley Hu (甲必丹符致宝), President of the Sarawak Restaurant Association, stressed the importance of staying informed about industry regulations amid changing economic conditions and challenges. He emphasized that the Sarawak food and beverage industry must focus on both service quality and compliance to ensure sustainable operations. He thanked the experts for providing valuable insights and strategies on compliant pricing, allowing participants to learn and engage directly.

Mr. Winston Chang (郑铭业) YPNM Kuching Secretary as the Organizing Chairman of this seminar emphasized that the seminar aims to raise awareness and deepen understanding of the Act, helping business owners in the restaurant industry to adopt fair pricing practices. He also highlighted that the Act not only protects consumers but also safeguards business owners by ensuring a level playing field and preventing unfair competition.

Mr. Chang also delivered an insightful presentation on the importance of Conflict Management Skills in the Workplace, emphasizing that unresolved conflicts can hinder productivity, reduce morale, and impact company revenue. He highlighted key skills covered in the training, including identifying conflict root causes, effective negotiation and mediation techniques, and a proactive, solution-focused approach. He emphasized that equipping business owners and teams with these skills fosters a harmonious workplace where employees feel valued and motivated. This positive environment enhances team cohesion, boosts productivity, and supports long-term business success, benefiting everyone involved—from the business owners and employees to the customers they serve.

Mr. Anthony Jee (余铠志), Vice Chairman of YPNM Kuching, led an engaging session on AI-Based Social Media Marketing, offering participants a practical look into how AI tools can transform and elevate their social media efforts. He demonstrated how these tools can streamline and simplify marketing processes, enabling businesses to run impactful campaigns without the need for extensive resources or large teams. By automating key aspects of social media strategy—such as content creation and customer engagement—AI technology allows business owners to save valuable time and reduce operational costs. Mr. Jee further emphasized that by leveraging AI, businesses can enhance the precision and effectiveness of their campaigns, tailoring content to specific audiences and maximizing their return on investment. This approach empowers smaller businesses to compete in the digital marketplace with greater agility and efficiency. The session provided attendees with a clear understanding of how adopting AI-based marketing tools can lead to more impactful customer engagement and sustained business growth.

This seminar was attended by around 35 participants in total. Also present during this seminar were Mr. Jimmy Ling (林以群) YPNM Sarawak Secretary, Kapitan Lucas Yong (甲必丹杨国宗) Education Officer of Sarawak Restaurant Association, and Mr. Eugene Hu (符朋迅) General Secretary of Sarawak Restaurant Association.