A VETERAN welfare activist has called on the Madani federal government to install permanent measures to fight escalating living costs instead of one-off assistance such as the RM100 to every registered Malaysian.
While the latest measures to alleviate living costs, as announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim were commendable, Penang Hindu Association president Datuk P. Murugiah said that certain efforts should be sustainable and long-term.
He suggested that ration cards be issued to the lower tier group of B40, groups, who by records, were lower middle income or even middle income, but slipped into poverty levels.
The cards can be withdrawn if the individuals are able to escape from the poverty trap, he said, adding that nobody likes to be defined as poor.
"This happens when breadwinners suddenly lose their jobs or if their employers go rogue and have not settled their due wages. Also, when they fall seriously ill, the healthcare costs can be excruciating," said Murugiah.
The ration cards can help them purchase essential goods at reduced rates in participating retail or wholesale outlets, he suggested.
He also urged pharmacies to be part of efforts to lower living costs.
Currently, there are some schemes to help the poor cope with the rising living costs from subsidised food to affordable housing, but Murugiah said that the authorities are unable to rein in cases of sudden poverty such as from job losses or a diagnosed of serious illnesses.
There is also a consensus here that since the pandemic was declared over, there is a growing rate of afflictions to various diseases, including the long-term respiratory-related ailments, he said.
Murugiah also said that permanent non- profit grocers, which can be called the Madani outlets, be established in urban poor housing areas.
Such establishments can be placed at PPR community housing localities and the patrons are strictly defined as B40 members.
The authorities including those from the Economic Ministry be empowered to conduct a detailed survey of the B40 and M40 (middle-class) groups by exploring in person interviews, or using an online surveillance to single out the group, he said.
The underlying thing is enforcement, he said.
"It is pointless to disclose new measures when the enforcement at the grassroot level is not visible. Traders continue to profiteer at the expense of the working class."
Those selling prepared food at high prices also needs to be reprimanded, including those peddling their consumables at strategic commercial areas such as the airports and public transport areas, including rest and recreational areas, he said.
Firstly, commercial rental rates need to be reined in if they want traders to sell cost effective prices for food and essential services, he said.
Secondly, developers or property owners must find ways to lower their building costs and leasing, while valuers must take all factors into consideration when evaluating commercial premises.
The alleged role of cartels in the food supply chain also needs to be probed, he said.
Senior lawyer S. Raveentharan said that the intention to suppress living costs, is laudable, but the government action and its effectiveness need more attention.
"Do not just preach but act effectively in fighting living costs issues," he said.
Profiters must not be allowed to fester, especially during economic downturns, said Raveentharan. - July 25, 2025
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