FOMCA in the News | The Star - Fomca: Find ways to ensure poor cope with higher cost of living after subsidy cuts |
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| Written by admin |
| Friday, 16 July 2010 21:54 |
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KUALA LUMPUR: The Government should find ways to help those in the lower-income group cope with the higher costs of living after cutting subsidies, said Fomca secretary-general Muhd Sha’ani Abdullah. He said this was because the poor would be the most affected by the cut. “Richer people will be able to afford it. The Government must do something to take away the burden put on the people. “For example, the Government can reduce bus fares by 20% to 30%. The poor will save some money and this may also encourage more people to take public transport,” he said. Muhd Sha’ani said although Fomca agreed with the move to cut subsidies, the savings should be channelled back to the people. He urged the public to give voice to their demands for the Government to provide some sort of social relief. “Write to your MPs and the Prime Minister. Flood Twitter with messages. You must let the Government hear your demands,” he said, adding that wastage and corruption should be addressed. Muslim Consumers Association executive secretary Datuk Nadzim Johan said the Government should have implemented the mechanism of using MyKad to buy petrol before reducing its subsidy. He said although the group had always been supportive of the Government removing the subsidies eventually, it was not fair that the rich enjoyed the same benefits as the poor. Nadzim said the Government should also look into reducing imported vegetables and other food items into the country while increasing local production at the same time. He also called for more enforcement to prevent unscrupulous businesses from taking advantage of the subsidies cut by imposing higher prices on their goods. |