GEORGE TOWN – The Penang Hindu Association is appealing to the federal government to suspend toll collections for the coming Deepavali celebration to help the people cope with the rising cost of living.
Its president P. Murugiah made this call, suggesting that toll payments be abolished for the Deepavali weekend.
This will also encourage more travelling and boost domestic tourism, the social activist said.
He told The Vibes that previously the government had allowed tolls to be suspended during the Hari Raya Aidilfitri and Chinese New Year celebrations.
“Hence, it would be good if it is also applicable to Deepavali.”
Murugiah said that he is heartened to note that the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry issued three notices to traders after a reported increase in the prices of essential items leading up to the Festival of Lights.
This was following a report on Friday where the association found that the price difference for essential goods between November last year and November this year had increased.
Murugiah said that the affected items include cardamom, fennel and cumin seeds, rice, milk powder, ghee, curry powder, wheat flour, rice flour, chilli powder, cinnamon and tamarind.
He added that they also included cooking oil, sago, sesame oil, prayer oil, Bru instant coffee, whole green gram, black gram, dried chilli, mee hoon, pulut rice, condensed milk, and onions. – The Vibes, November 7, 2023
