AS the date for the tabling of the 2017 Budget draws near, it is the main topic of discussion among Malaysians.
Everyone is eager to know what is in store for next year’s expenditure.
The focus should be to help ease the people’s burden on the high cost of living, especially for those in the middle- and low-income groups.
The government needs to map out holistic and effective plans to help people cope with price hikes as well as the increase in cost of living.
Perhaps more special vouchers or discount cards should be introduced for those in the targeted group like senior citizens, disabled people, students and single mothers. The time is also right for the government to seriously consider increasing workers’ wages as well as amending the law on minimum wages for workers in the country.
Malaysians are greatly concerned with the growth of the economy. As such, the government should continue its efforts to bolster the nation’s economy and provide the people with more opportunities to secure a higher standard of living in line with its commitment to become a high income nation by 2020.
In the meantime, stern legal action needs to be taken against irresponsible individuals or traders making unreasonable profits by taking advantage of the economic uncertainty as provided for under the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011 (Act 723), and the Goods and Services Tax Act 2014 (Act 762).
Consumers also need to be aware of their rights and lodge complaints when there are price discrepancies or boycott irresponsible traders.
DR MUZAFFAR SYAH MALLOW,
Senior lecturer, Faculty of Syariah and Law, Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia