THE increasing cost of living is being felt in Penang and the hard pressed are turning to social organisations for help.

Penang branch Social and Welfare Committee head P. Murugiah said the hardest hit were single mothers although they were not the only ones affected.

He said some heads of hardcore poor families had also been seeking help to place their parents in old folks home.

"These families are finding it really difficult to care for their parents, in terms of providing meals and forking out medical expenses," said Murugiah.

For instance, he said the price of 'atta' flour had increased from RM1.80 per kg in December to RM2.80 while cooking oil (2kg bottle) had gone up from RM4.50 to RM6.20.
"The price of 'dhal' has also gone up, from RM2.80 to RM4.60 per kg , while a brand of the cheapest milk powder has increased from RM9 in January to RM19.50."

Murugiah said three single mothers had approached him recently after finding it hard to cope with the rising costs of living.

"They have sought help to place six of their children in orphanages.

"They have between three and five children, and each of them is sending two of their children to an orphanage as the rising cost of living is just too much to bear."

Murugiah noted that while one mother was unemployed, another was earning RM350 a month doing odd jobs while the third woman earned RM600 a month working in a factory.

Murugiah proposed that the state government open up ration shops, such as those being practised in some countries, to ease the burden of the hardcore poor. -- MELISSA DARLYNE CHOW