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Call On The Malaysian Government To Reconsider The Implications Of Petrol Price Increase On Millions Of Consumers Who Have Yet To Recover From The Economic Crisis Statement by Dr Tan Seng Giaw, DAP National Vice-Chairman and MP for Kepong on the petrol price increase (but the amount to be decided) announced by Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin yesterday. 10.8.2000 | |||||||
| The Malaysian Government crows about the economic recovery from the crisis satrted in July 1997, without gping to the International Monetary Fund, IMF. But, millions of consumers have not recovered from the crisis. The Cabinet approves the petrol price increase, without specifying the amount. This will have spiraling effects, worsening inflation which is under constant pressure. Several bodies like Consumers' Association, Associated Chinese Association and Lorry Owners' Association have protested against the price hike. Transport charges will go up, followed by the price of all goods. Petrol is rightly a control item because of its widespread use. Consumers have the rights to this essential item. They are sensitive to the Malaysian Cabinet decision. Apparently, since 1990, there has not been any increase in petrol prices: RM1.10 per litre for unleaded petrol and RM1.06 for leaded. The Government subsidizes about RM1 billion this year. It quotes the increase of crude oil price from US$12 to US$30 per barrel. Although the Cabinet Essential Goods Committee has directed the Finance Ministry | |
to study the effects of the price increase on the transport sector and the consumers, the ministry has yet to do so intensively. Because of many reasons, the Government always paint a very bright picture about the economic recovery. Clearly, certain sectors like manufacturing for export, the sales of cars with easier financing and the low and medium cost housing show improvement. But, other sectors such as the retailed and service sectors are still facing difficulties. We are worried about the impartiality of the judiciary. The verdict on the former Deputy Prime Minister Dato' Seri Anwar of further nine years of imprisonment for sexual misconduct has made matters worse. We are also concerned about inflationary pressure. For Malaysians, things are bad enough. New petrol price will add salt to injury. Now, transport companies are facing myriad different problems such as road tax, toll charges and invisible expenses. While we are hoping that the Government will help these companies solve the problems, we feel that it should reconsider its decision on the petrol price increase.
Dr Tan Seng Giaw | |||||
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