Letter to editor
IT HAS been a few months since the government has had control over how the lives of Malaysians yet something as basic as lowering the pricing of commodities has yet to be felt by the people.
Traders argue that the price of raw materials has not decreased; in fact, most of them remain the same as before, thus making it impossible for them to slash the selling prices of food as advised by Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli.
Indeed, according to a recent Sinar Harian report, traders are dissatisfied with the way Rafizi handled the situation. The Pandan MP has urged that prices of goods should be reduced even though raw material costs which are directly within the government’s supervision have not changed significantly.
According to Datuk Ameer Ali Mydin, the managing director of Mydin Mohamed Holdings Bhd, prices of basic raw ingredients have not shown any decrease at all since 2020. This is worrying as the lives of the citizens are at stake.
Rafizi should come forth with details on raw materials that he claims have seen price reduction as he has been pressurising traders to lower the prices of food sold in the marketplace.
I believe that everyone is at the edge of their seats waiting for his response to this. We need competent leaders to address these issues, hence the lack of response from the government’s side is disappointing, to say the least.
Rafizi had claimed in late 2022 that Perkatan Nasional (PN) politicians would be silent after they were provided with the data that he promised to share with citizens pertaining to the issue of supply and demand for commodities.
Ironically, his assurances appear to be hollow at this time because he has yet to furnish the said data nor how long it takes for the issue of exorbitant food prices to be resolved.
I urge the government to resolve this issue soonest in light of the rising raw material prices and the previously noted downward trend. We must assist the people. Stop hiding behind closed doors and start delivering your promises to us. – Feb 1, 2023
Mahathir Mohd Rais is the Perikatan Nasional (PN) Federal Territories’ information chief.
The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Focus Malaysia.
