Public bracing for another round of price hikes

SIBU: The people, especially the working class and low income group, are facing another wave of price hikes on many daily necessities.

This comment came in a joint press statement issued by chairman of Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR), Lanang branch, Law Hin Chin and advisor for Parti Bumi Kenyalang (PBK) Lanang branch, Yu Chin Liik recently.

Law and Yu said following the hike in fuel prices in the last two months, diesel rose by five sen on March 1.

They added that the price of sugar rose from RM2.84 to RM2.95 per kilo which is nearly four per cent.

Prices of frozen and imported food increased by more than 10 per cent.

Many daily necessities have increased in price by more than five per cent, and price of imports by more than 10 per cent.

“In the face of this wave of rising prices, the people are powerless to cope with the hardships of life. The hearts of workers are troubled and anxious because the prices of goods are soaring, making it difficult for them to cope with daily life,” they said.

During this crucial time, the Prime Minister of Malaysia pointed out that the price of petrol in the country of Saudi Arabia had soared by 50 per cent per litre compared to Malaysia which recently raised its price per litre by 10 to 20 per cent, which he (PM) considered not much.

“The prime minister further raised the prices of sugar and cigarettes, saying eat less sugar to maintain health and prevent diabetes; and smoke less to avoid cancer.”