KLANG – Long lines in Taman Kem, where people are queuing for free vegetables, have prompted Klang MP Charles Santiago to label the rising prices of goods a “national embarrassment”.
In Taman Kem here, Santiago was distributing free vegetables to the residents who have been struggling to make ends meet. More than RM15,000 was spent in a bid to assist at least 1,200 families.
“As we know, the price of vegetables increased by 200%. My office has been getting phone calls from constituents requesting help just to buy food,” he told reporters today.
The situation is especially concerning, he said, as prolonged nutritional issues can lead to stunted growth.
He highlighted a recent Unicef study that found that Malaysian youth are not able to meet their nutritional needs.
Santiago said the current rise in vegetable prices is caused by various factors, one of which is the global supply chain breakdown.
“Second, the price of fertilisers, herbicides and pesticides have risen as well. This is coupled by the fact that many of our vegetables are imported from overseas, causing a devaluation of the ringgit.
“While a long-term solution is needed to resolve this problem, in the meantime, the government must do what it can to make sure Malaysians are able to eat.”
He recommended price controls, subsidies and buying vegetables in bulk for distribution to the needy.
“It’s very sad to see in the 21st century, people lining up for free vegetables. It is clear that their pay is not enough to support their families. This is a clear failure of policy and government.”
His sentiments were equally echoed by the residents who queued for the free vegetables.
Speaking to The Vibes, Ratnasari Rayub said they have no choice but to accept any help they get.
“We really need this, and whoever is giving us these vegetables, may he receive all the blessings.
“This supply of vegetables can perhaps last three to four days, but we must take what we can get given our situation.”
Meanwhile, Mas Ainah Muhammad, said the rising prices of vegetables forced her to line up for assistance today.
She hoped there would be more initiatives like this to help her and others.
“Goods are not only expensive, but the amount of what we are able to buy is getting less too. It is very difficult to support ourselves with the salaries we have now.” – The Vibes, December 12, 2021
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