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By LIM MUN FAH, SIN CHEW DAILY The people have never felt the pain like this. Prices of other goods would also increase even as petrol prices soared. Imported Thai rice and Vietnamese white rice have surged 120%; cement prices would go up today (5 June); pork prices keep increasing and electricity rates are going up too.
Everything is going up and consumers are worried about it. They are complaining about the high prices in the market while hawkers are complaining about the high costs. They know nothing about economy and do not even have a clue about the causes of inflation. But they are standing on the front-line of everyday life, they feel the pressure of rising prices the most. In fact, even those of us who know a little bit about economy also are confused by today's economic situation. And the official announcement of the low inflation rate is quite unbelievable. There are many reasons for the rise of prices, but no matter what they are, the people are the one who bear the pressure. The question is, how long could the people withstand spiralling prices? Does the government and employers have any measure to help the helpless people? In fact, there are ways to cope with the issue but the key is to profoundly think and to effectively implement the policies. Of course, the most immediate way is to increase salary or give out “temporary living subsidies”, but at the same time, productivity must be increased as well. The government may also consider tax reduction, including the increase in the income tax threshhold, reduce industrial tax, assessment tax and road tax to alleviate the people's pressure. Actually, in such a situation, the people and the government will have to spend wisely but it is not the best solution to keep cutting expenditure. It is better to find revenue than keep cutting expenditure. Oh please, those people in power, please find another way to raise revenue! (Translated by SOONG PHUI JEE)
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The Blogs 
More of brains to think how to fill up their pockets to be exact.
