The Competition Act is finally coming to light. It has been tabled in Parliament in the current session for approval by the Dewan Rakyat. It has been a long wait; but as they say “better late than never”. 

For the protection of consumers, the Competition Act is one of the most important legislation in enhancing consumers’ welfare.  The Competition Act is built on the conviction that competition drives firms to become more efficient and to offer greater choice of products and services at lower prices, bringing benefits to consumers. In a competitive market, companies are more efficient and effective in responding to consumers needs in terms of product range, specifications and prices. 

LONDON (April 14) -- A leading British clothing chain has been forced to withdraw a line of padded bikini tops for preteen girls from its 138 U.K. stores after politicians, kids' rights campaigners and the country's biggest newspaper accused it of sexualizing children.

Cut-price retailer Primark apologized for any offense caused by its $6 padded tops, which were aimed at girls ages 7 to 8 and came in two colors: candy pink and black with white polka dots. "The company has stopped the sale of this product line with immediate effect," a spokesman for the retailer announced. "Primark will donate all the profits made from this product line to a children's charity."

Wednesday April 14, 2010

By AUDREY EDWARDS and SIMON KHOO
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PETALING JAYA: Only 10,000 people from the high-risk group have been vaccinated against Influenza A(H1N1).

This is despite the Health Ministry ordering some 400,000 doses of the vaccine and making it available at 104 of its facilities nationwide.

By Lyndsey Layton
Washington Post Staff Writer
Thursday, April 8, 2010

The Food and Drug Administration said recent research raises "valid concerns" about the possible health effects of triclosan, an antibacterial chemical found in a growing number of liquid soaps, hand sanitizers, dishwashing liquids, shaving gels and even socks, workout clothes and toys.

The FDA and the Environmental Protection Agency say they are taking a fresh look at triclosan, which is so ubiquitous that is found in the urine of 75 percent of the population, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The reassessment is the latest signal that the Obama administration is willing to reevaluate the possible health impacts of chemicals that have been in widespread use.

By Katrina vanden Heuvel
Tuesday, April 6, 2010

Michelle Obama is not at war with Twinkies. But she does want food manufacturers to "rethink the products that you're offering, the information that you provide about these products and how you market those products to our children." For this, she has been accused of "federalizing fat" and labeled "the first nanny." But it's not the federal government that's playing the role of nanny here.

After all, food and beverage marketers spend about $2 billion a year to reach children, and most of those ads hawk the least healthy foods. So when a child begs for fruit-free Froot Loops, he's simply doing what he's been commanded to do, clean-your-room style, by the marketing nanny.