Visiting markets and shops, I notice prices of many goods have gone up. The media report of prices of goods increasing by 10 to 40 % is not surprising. What is the Government doing?

Since the Cabinet lets petrol price go up by 10%, the Prime Minister Dato' Seri Dr Mahathir Mohamad and his deputy Dato' Seri Abdullah Badawi have warned against profiteering. The Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs says that it is going to improve enforcement.

Now, the Government must show that its monitoring of factories, wholesalers and retailers is effective in ensuring that consumers are not cheated. Whatever the Cabinet decisions, we expect better enforcement.

As Malaysia presents the Vision Development Policy, we need credible
measures against inflation. This policy envisages Malaysia as a developed nation. A developed nation means that there is scarcely any inflation. However, the current spate of increase in prices tests the ability of the Government to handle inflation. Let us hope that it can deal adequately with profiteers.

While we are waiting for better monitoring of prices by the Government, we urge consumers to be on the look out for unfair increase in prices.
Whether it is controlled items or otherwise, we have to put a stop to
profiteering.

As I have said previously, I shall present a motion to debate inflation in
Malaysian Parliament. I call on all Members of Parliament to support the motion.

The Government should present the true picture of inflation in Parliament. It should show its commitment to control it. Nevertheless, we can only succeed if the Government is more open and transparent.