By Neville Timothy Sanders & Gabriel Lihan
Prices of necessities and goods have shot up like nobody’s business lately – some by as much as 60 per cent – and among the reasons cited are the new minimum wage of RM1,500 and traders’ greed.
The price hikes were met with lukewarm reception with some aware that the hikes were already coming even before the COVID-19 pandemic two years ago. The general reaction now is that the government should step in before the “prices get out of hand”.
New Sarawak Tribune spoke to a few business owners and consumers alike on what could be done to ease their burden.
Charlemagne Kevin Lee, 37, Entrepreneur
“On a personal level even though I see this as something inevitable, the government needs to create more awareness for the people to understand economic mechanisms. For the consumers, they must always be alert mind and openminded in accepting challenges. Therefore, they must have the right attitude to strive for a better future.”
Johnson Fung, 24, Contractor
“I feel disheartened because there must be a way to regulate the price gouging for necessities. And the government should enforce more regulations and policies. And to the consumers, spend wisely as the future is uncertain these days.”
Mohd Amirul Fahmi, 29, Self employed
“High prices would definitely affect business owners which will eventually affect the consumers too. For me, the government should further subsidise other necessities so that we won’t feel burdened in providing the best for the people. To the consumers, please understand our situation and why we have to rise our prices and charges.”
Angel August, 44, Interior designer
“For me, the prices of necessities have risen pre-COVID but the pandemic has compounded the problem. Other nations face the same problem. The government needs to regulate the hike in prices of goods to mitigate the risk of inflation. We need to see how various efforts can result in reducing inflation so that this issue does not become excessively worrying.”
Hilder Johnny, 29, Florist
“To be frank, the news is worrying, especially these few months with the sudden rise in prices of these necessities, especially during the festive season. The government should get to the bottom of this matter as soon as possible. As for the consumers, avoid buying unnecessary things for now; while we can’t control the rising prices we can, however, change our lifestyle.”
