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Fuel Price Increase Sparks Concern Over Spiralling Effect On Other Consumer Items |
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Posted by admin
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Thursday, 05 June 2008 08:24 |
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KUALA LUMPUR, June 4 - The increase in the prices of petrol and diesel -- by 78 sen and RM1 per litre respectively -- is an eye-opener to consumers in planning their expenditure more wisely in the wake of costlier commodity.
Malaysian Muslim Consumers Association Executive Secretary Datuk Nadzim Johan said the increase was beyond control and the consumers should now strive to spend within their means.
"The price increase is inevitable. What's important now is that the people should be thrifty and try to find additional income.
"What we are concerned of is the effect on other consumer goods. Normally, when the prices of fuel go up, the price of food items will similarly increase. We hope the government will put in place a mechanism to prevent such an increase because there bound to be people who take advantage of the situation," he told Bernama here.
Honorary Secretary of the Muslim Consumers' Association of Malaysia Mohammed Mosin Abdul Razak said the fuel price increase had not affected his business yet. "We shall see. If the price of food items increase, it will not be good for the food business. We hope to be able to hold on to the old price," he said.
In JOHOR BAHARU, the National Fishermen Association said the increase in the price of diesel for fishermen's use, from RM1 to RM1.43 per litre, was still low compared to the price in other countries.
Its president Mohd Dol Mat, however, reminded the fishermen to utilise the fuel wisely as the price increase would ultimately push up the cost of operation.
Mohd Dol who is also the Johor Fishermen Association chairman expressed concerns that the higher fuel price would result in many fishermen unable to break free from the clutches of poverty.
In SHAH ALAM, Consumer Association of Kapar Selangor President P. Govindasamay expressed his shock over the announcement as he had expected that the fuel subsidy would only be structured in August.
"I'm shock and I don't agree," he said, adding that the move would ultimately reduce the people's buying power.
In KUANTAN, Peninsular Malaysia Malay Bus Drivers Association described the price increase as burdening the people.
Its president Mohd Yasin Yakob said bus companies would not wait long to increase their fares.
He hoped that the government would review the quantum of increase which he said was "too drastic."
"Even before this latest increase, the fuel price is already high," he said.
In KOTA BAHARU, Kelantan Consumers Association President Ahmad Othman asked the public to remain calm.
He said the increase was inevitable because of the current situation in the global fuel market.
"There are ways to lighten the burden... like spending wisely, change our lifestyle and avoid making unnecessary purchase," he said.
"For those who smoke, it's time to reduce," he added.
Meanwhile, Deputy President of Bumiputera Manufacturers and Small Enterprise Association, Major (Rtd) Abdul Rahman Ibrahim, said the higher fuel price would make it more difficult for the small-and-medium industry entrepreneurs.
"The increase is too drastic but we will set up a committee to receive feedback from members on problems they face in the wake of the high fuel price," he said, adding that it would be particularly difficult for those earning RM700 a month.
The Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations adviser Datuk Hamdan Adnan said he had expected the price to increase.
"What is important now is for the consumers to accept the reality of the new fuel price, which is a global problem. Let's not resort to doing negative things in our effort to find additional source of income," he said.
The consumers should not be panicky in facing the situation, he said, adding that he was concerned over the possible actions by taxi and bus companies.
"I hope the government will monitor them so that they do not increase their fares indiscriminately," he said.
Meanwhile, Cuepacs President Omar Osman called for calm among civil servants.
"Don't sell your car just because the petrol price is high," he said.
In PENANG, Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng expressed "grave concern" over government's decision to increase fuel prices.
Lim, who is currently on a business trip to South Korea, said the fuel increase is both economically inefficient and socially unjust.
"It does not deal with the basic problems of increasing productivity and energy conservation as well as ensuring that fuel subsidy fulfils its intended objectives (to help) the poor instead of benefiting the rich," he said in a statement.
He said the prime minister "should ask the question whether this dramatic and drastic fuel increase would help to reduce the financial burden of the poor and also ensure that rich companies and individuals do not benefit equally with the poor." - BERNAMA
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The Blogs 
HOW DO YOU EXPECT THE RAKYAT TO REMAIN CALM?
Oh, so we must be calm when the 'windfall' from rising oil prices in PETRONAS goes directly into the pockets of UMNO?
Ww should be 'calm' when Rakyat pay for the corrupt and lavish lifestyle of UMNO-ists (KJ in his SUVs, Madame Dotty shopping in Paris, Mr. RM12 million divorce man and plenty more) through the petrol pumps? MALAYSIANS, THAT IS WHAT THOSE FELLAS IN THE ABOVE ARTICLE IS ASKING YOU TO DO!!!
PETRONAS and its profits belongs to the Rakyat; not UMNO. AM I RIGHT, MALAYSIANS?
PROTES BARANG NAIK! SAY NO TO UMNO!