KUCHING: In the midst of our ever-evolving world, one issue remains a constant concern for individuals and families alike – the rising cost of living.
It’s a topic that transcends borders, impacting people from all walks of life.
As we delve into this pressing matter, we seek to understand the feelings and hopes of those affected, as well as the expectations placed on the government to address these challenges.
New Sarawak Tribune spoke to a few people to get their response on the rising cost of living.
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ANDREW SII, 57
Businessman
Personally, I find the rising cost of living deeply concerning. It’s a burden that affects the everyday lives of our citizens, and their struggles are disheartening. I hope the government will prioritise policies aimed at curbing the cost of living, such as measures to control inflation and provide targeted financial assistance to those in need.
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NABILA SAPAWI, 32
Administrative executive
My feelings about the rising cost of living are a mixture of empathy and frustration. It’s disheartening to witness the financial stress it imposes on people, especially those with lower incomes. My expectation from the government is that they will implement comprehensive strategies that tackle the underlying causes of the rising cost of living and offer concrete support to affected individuals and families.
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ATHIRAH AJIS, 32
Housewife
The escalating cost of living is undeniably distressing. It’s a trend that warrants serious attention, as it impacts the economic well-being of our communities. I’m optimistic that the government will take decisive steps to alleviate the burden on citizens through initiatives like increasing the minimum wage, affordable housing projects, and accessible healthcare services.
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HAFEEZAN ABD RANI JEMAN, 37
Public servant
The rising cost of living is a matter of grave concern. It threatens the financial stability of countless households and merits a concerted effort to find solutions. I hope to see the government actively engage with the public through transparency and communication to understand the specific challenges faced by different segments of the populace. My sentiments toward the rising cost of living are ones of deep worry. It’s imperative that we recognise the hardships people are facing due to this issue. My expectation is that the government will implement long-term policies that not only address the immediate concerns related to the cost of living but also promote sustainable economic growth and stability.
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NURZULIKHA JAMALEE, 33
Housewife
The rising cost of living has unfortunately affected many people, especially low wage workers and small entrepreneurs. I think it is quite challenging for most people nowadays because of the rising price of food and other basic essentials. This has made the purchasing power to become less. Maybe the government can control price of goods and services throughout our country. Besides that maybe the government can raise low incomes.
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NUR ALYA MONA JIKIM, 39
Businesswomen
From a business perspective, the rising cost of living presents a mixed bag of challenges and opportunities. On one hand, it means consumers may have less disposable income to spend on non-essentials, which can impact sales. On the other hand, it might also signal a growing economy where businesses can potentially increase prices. Personally, I’m concerned because it means I might have to pay higher wages to retain talented staff, but I’m also aware that my business might benefit if we can adapt strategically to the changing economic environment. I hope the government can foster a conducive environment for businesses to thrive, even in the face of rising costs. This could mean providing tax incentives for small businesses, reducing red tape and bureaucracy, or offering support for innovation and scaling. It will also be beneficial if the government takes steps to stabilise volatile markets, ensuring that businesses can predict costs and plan accordingly. Lastly, investing in infrastructure and education can indirectly aid businesses by creating a skilled workforce and efficient logistical networks.
