Tag: Solving the Rakyat’s Problems

Government Should Reduce Fuel Price Following the World Market

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KUALA LUMPUR, 31 Oct: Pakatan Rakyat (PR) questions the government’s move to raise fuel subsidies to RM2.326 billion in the National Budget 2014 because the government targets savings of RM3.3 billion next year.

Member of Parliament for Tanjong, Ng Wei Aik said, the subsidy increase would increase the total expenses to RM22.341 billion, however, only RM20.015 was allocated in the National Budget 2013.

“Fuel subsidies for next year will increase by 11.62 percent, from RM20 billion to RM22 billion. Fuel subsidies should be increased, not reduced.

“So we have a big question, why does the subsidy need to be increased dramatically when the announcement by the Prime Minister explained in September that the increase of 20 cents for RON95 and Diesel would result in savings of RM3.3 billion to be recorded in 2014,” he said in a press conference here in Parliament today.

Wei Aik said, the oil price has fallen as diplomacy aimed at Syria and Iran eased concerns about Middle East supplies after climbing to over USD110 in the late August, and the oil price even dipped below USD102 per barrel after parts of the US Government were ordered to shut down because of a budget impasse in Washington.

“The price of fuel is a major problem that burdens the people because they want the price to be lowered, not increased,” he said.

Among the countries that have reduced the price of oil are India, Taiwan, Ghana, Vietnam, Bermuda, South Africa, Georgia and China, in the last three months.

Sugar Price causes Price Hike in Food and Drinks in School Canteens

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SHAH ALAM, 31 Oct: Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) Bureau of Consumerism received complaints that several canteens in schools around the Klang Valley has raised their price for food and drinks.

It’s Chairman, Yahya Shari, said that they received the complaint after the announcement by Prime Minister Datuk Najib Razak regarding the retraction of 34 cents in sugar subsidies.

He said, apart from school canteens, stalls have increased food and drink prices, with prices charged similar to that of coffeeshops.

“We have received many complaints about stalls and school canteens increasing the price of food and drinks at their premises.

“We receive a minimum of three complaints a day on the increase in prices. However, complainants did not provide detailed information and thus, we were unable to survey,” he said when contacted by TVSelangor today.

Yahya said, there are four schools that have raised the price of food and drinks, according to complaints received from parents.

In this regard, he called on the Ministry of Education and Higher Education to monitor and take action against school canteens throughout the country so that they do not raise prices at will.

“The price of food and drink cannot be increased at will because canteen operators are bound by contract of food prices, so the government should monitor this problem.

“We also want the central government to open more opportunities in the sugar industry so as to not only provide opportunities to duopoly companies by creating price competition in the sugar market.

He also urged for consumers to lodge complaints at the PKR Bureau of Consumerism if traders take advantage by increasing prices.

Previously, the Secretary-General of the School Canteen Operators Association, Hamzah Omar, said that they will ensure that canteen operators do not increase the price of canteen food and drinks because of the increase in sugar price by 34 cents, because it is stated in their contracts that they cannot raise prices at will.

Wong Chen: Tackle Crime Holistically

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SHAH ALAM, 31 Oct: The crime problem should be addressed holistically instead of only focusing on law enforcement alone, stressed the Member of Parliament for Kelana Jaya, Wong Chen.

Wong Chen said, the economic aspect should also be given serious attention, like the enforcement of law, in curbing criminal activity in the country.

“Suppose one criminal commits armed robbery every day, the country will witness 365 criminal cases throughout the year.

“Imagine if 10 thousand criminals have the same commitment. How many police officers are required to handle this problem?” he asked when contacted by TVSelangor.

Wong Chen said that he urges for the Federal Government to be more concerned with a more efficient administrative management in providing a better economic environment for the masses.

The lives of the people, which is becoming more pressing due to the growing economic pressure, should be taken into account.

Wong Chen said, criminals in this country are committed in making crime a permanent career to a point of smuggling firearms from neighbouring countries.

“People who are desperate enough to risk tremendously would fall into the criminal arena. If the government continues to not be concerned with this matter, more people will fall into criminal activities.

“On this factor, the economy plays an important role because if job opportunities for the people are more secure, with favourable returns, crime will no longer be a career option,” he said.

MBPJ Adds CCTV to Enhance Security

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KUALA LUMPUR, 31 Oct: The Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) is taking proactive measures to add more closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras at pedestrian walks around the Kelana Jaya Light Rail Transit (LRT) stations near Taman Mayang.

The move is being made following the death of a student, Dickson Wong from Sarawak, who was attacked by snatch thieves near the LRT station two days ago.

The MBPJ Public Relations Unit, in a statement, said that the effort to add CCTVs at the area has received approval from the Mayor, Datin Paduka Alinah Ahmad and will be done within two weeks.

“The Council will also require for commercial premises, in their renewal of licence, to provide and install CCTVs at their premises to help maintain security together,” stated the press release.

In addition to the installation of CCTVs, the Council will also work with the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) to patrol around the area.

Dickson, who is in a coma, was found covered in blood near the LRT station in Taman Mayang after being attacked by snatch thieves.

Malaysiakini’s Victory Good News for National Media Freedom

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SHAH ALAM, 30 Oct: The victory of the news portal, Malaysiakini, in the appeal case against the Ministry of Home Affairs (KDN), which did not want to issue a publishing permit to the online news portal, is good news thus opening a new chapter of media freedom in the country.

The former President of the National Union of Journalists (NUJ), Mohd Hatta Wahari said, the decision made by the Court of Appeal today is an important point in preparing the people and national leaders towards a mentality that is equivalent to that of first world countries.

Mohd Hatta also hopes that Malaysiakini’s victory will encourage other media to publish a variety of media materials to convey more transparent information to the people.

“This is good news, the recognition of media freedom, because previously what was implemented by the current government does not follow the new world order in freedom of information.

“Freedom of information is also very important so that accurate information can be delivered and it is left to the people to evaluate the move by the government or the opposition.

“Through media freedom, our country can be led towards being a developed country, not just in terms of development, but also in its mentality,” Mohd Hatta said when contacted by TVSelangor today.

Mohd Hatta also considers the decision today as a protest against the leadership pattern of the government led by BN since 56 years ago towards the country’s media practitioners.

The Court of Appeal today unanimously dismissed the Home Ministry and government’s appeal against a High Court judgment that Malaysiakini portal operator Mkini Dotcom Sdn Bhd be issued a publication permit and also allowed a costs of RM5,000 to be paid to Mkini Dotcom.

The decision was made after the Kuala Lumpur High Court dismissed the KDN’s order to not issue a publication licence to the publisher of Malaysiakini, Mkini Dotcom Sdn Bhd.

House of MIC Chief’s Widow Burned, Receives Support from Melawati CSC

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SHAH ALAM, 30 Oct: Despite her late husband being known for serving MIC when he was alive, the suffering due to a fire at the house occupied by Devi a/p Raman, 66, three months ago was ignored by the party representing the Indian community.

However, Devi was fortunate when the Coordinator of the Melawati constituency Community Service Centre (CSC), S.Manikavasagam, together with the Api-Api Parish Headman, Husain Idris, came forward to offer help to the single mother.

Manikavasagam said, among the assistance provided includes a cash contribution of RM500 presented by the Kuala Selangor District and Land Office, as well as building materials such as wood and Nypa leafs from the Melawati CSC.

“The late S.Anandan, the former Kampung Telok Piah MIC Branch Chief, used to serve in the MIC and was previously given a medal of honour by Tan Sri V.Manickavasagam for his services.

“However now, when his wife encounters difficulties and her house was damaged by fire, not on of the MIC leaders came to visit or help out. Where is the slogan ‘MIC Cares’,” Manikavasagam said to TVSelangor.

Manikavasagam said, as a result of the fire which brought an estimated loss of about RM75,000, Devi also lost her source of income from a small food business she ran out of her house.

Devi, who will be celebrating Deepavali soon, has also been included in the ‘Jom Shopping’ (Let’s Go Shopping) programme in conjunction with the Deepavali celebration which is being held at the Giant hypermarket in Pasir Penampang today.

“All the assistance rendered is actually not enough, but at least it is able to ease the suffering and burden shouldered by Devi,” added Manikavasagam.

Anwar: Strengthen People’s Income before Implementing the GST

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KUALA LUMPUR, 20 Oct: Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim urged the Central Government to strengthen the people’s income and ensure good taxation infrastructure before implementing the Goods and Services Tax (GST).

The Opposition Leader said, when he held the post of Finance Minister, the idea regarding the implementation of the GST had been suggested, but it was not implemented.

“I support the GST review, it is an efficient move and taxing system, but we need to look at the people’s income.

“The people’s income has to be increased and the taxation infrastructure needs to be improved before implementing it,” Anwar said.

He said this at during a Forum keynote address on the GST in Parliament, which was also attended by panelists Dr Lim Kim-Hwa (Penang Institute) and Azrul Azwar (People’s Institute), and chaired by Ooi Heng (KPRU).

Anwar said, before the implementation of the GST, the government should also eliminate the monopoly system in this country because it will cause prices to rise.

“Monopoly should be stopped as well. It causes the price of goods to go up,” he said.

PR Urges Central Government to Revoke Protection of Companies Monopolising the Sugar Market

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KUALA LUMPUR, 30 Oct: Pakatan Rakyat (PR) urges the Central Government to revoke the raw sugar procurement system and the protection of companies monopolising the sugar market in this country resulting in the higher price of sugar.

Member of Parliament for Petaling Jaya Utara, Tony Pua, said that the action to revoke would allow for the government to offer a lower sugar price for the people after opening up the market involving sugar companies in the country.

He said, with the elimination of the monopoly, the people will enjoy lower prices for sugar and sugar companies will become more efficient by not having to rely on government assistance.

“Pakatan Rakyat is of the opinion that the monopoly of sugar companies does not benefit the people at all.

“It is better to open the sugar market and let the price of sugar be determined by competition between companies and suppliers of sugar,” said Tony Pua in a press statement at the Parliament lobby.

Tony Pua said the method of importing raw sugar from companies abroad is just a trick to get a lower cost, enabling the company involved to gain handsomely.

“If sugar prices are set by the government, it should not increase their (companies) profits by so much.

“We suspect that the government is importing raw sugar to enable these companies to gain more profit,” he said.

Yesterday, Tony Pua revealed that the sugar price hike is not on the basis of subsidy cuts, rather it stems from the Central Government’s move to sign the raw sugar agreement at a high price.

In January 2012, the Minister of Domestic Trade, Consumerism and Cooperatives (KPDNKK), Datuk Ismail Sabri, announced that the government has signed a three-year deal to import raw sugar at the price of USD25 per 100lbs.

As a result, the people are forced to enjoy sugar that is more expensive due to the agreement signed by the KPDNKK last year.

Student: Government in a Hurry to Implement GST

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SHAH ALAM, 30 Oct: The Central Government is in a hurry to implement the Goods and Services Tax (GST) which will burden the people when there is no mechanism to increase the people’s income.

The President of Student Solidarity Malaysia (SMM) Safwan Anang, said that the Central Government has been urged to first solve the problem of corruption, leakages and improvidence occurring in expenses, as reported in the Auditor-General’s Report before the GST is implemented.

He said students will be affected and impacted from the implementation of the GST at the rate of 6 percent starting from 1 April 2015 because they are also consumers who buy goods and necessities.

“If the federal government does not want to hear the sound of protest, together, students are ready to mobilise this voice of protest,” he said when contacted by TVSelangor.

Safwan hopes that students will enhance awareness and understanding of the implementation of the GST so that they are able to be the people’s spokespeople.

“When the campus elections are still hot, it is hoped that the GST will also be debated. But unfortunately, this did not happen due to external political interference which has caused the GST issue to be quiet,” he said.

The introduction of the GST at a rate of six percent will be more burdensome for the young people because 82.5 percent of them earn RM3,000 and below.

The impact will be felt by the young people when the rate of inflation rises due to the increase in price of goods and services while income has not changed much.

The People Should Practice Cleanliness and Environmental Care

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SHAH ALAM, 27 Oct: The people have been urged to always practice cleanliness, which is the central to the well-being of a family in creating a culture where the community is responsible towards environmental care.

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Chief Minister Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim said effort towards cleanliness is everyone’s responsibility which should be implemented, especially in urban communities.

He said that communities should have the attitude of ensuring that their families and neighbours live in a clean and protected environment.

“The Selangor Government will continue to support all efforts and activities related to loving a green and clean environment,” said Abdul Khalid.

Abdul Khalid said that the aspect of cleanliness is to overcome political interests that need to be nurtured by all members of society, regardless of their background.

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He said this during the opening speech of the “Enhancement of IQ vs the Strengthening of Immunity” which was held here at the Setia City Convention Centre.

About 500 people attended the programme, including the Chairman of Top Glove, Tan Sri Lim Wee Chai and the Vice-President of SP Setia, Datuk Khor Chap Jen.

The programme was organised by three companies; Top Glove Corporation Berhad, SP Setia Berhad and Khind Holding Berhad, in conjunction with the corporate social responsibility (CSR) of the companies in preserving a greener environment.

Implement GST, More People are Burdened

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SHAH ALAM, 27 Oct: The implementation of the GST will only increase the price of goods and the tax burden would have to be shouldered even after the abolition of the Sales and Service Tax (SST).

Serdang Member of Parliament, Dr Ong Kian Ming said that the Umno-BN Government is misleading the people by giving the impression that most of the prices of goods and the taxes paid by consumers will be reduced after the introduction of the GST.

“The truth is that the tax imposed under the SST is far less than what is taxable under the GST,” he said in a statement.

Kian Ming said among other things claimed to not be under the sales tax but will be under the GST includes many non-luxury items such as milk, tea, mineral water, canned fruit, newspaper, stationery, school bags and boxes.

He said consumers of electricity below 200kWh (any amount exceeding RM50) will also be charges the GST. The price of these items will definitely increase after the GST because the abolishing of the SST has an impact on price.

Currently, the sales tax is limited to certain restaurants and professional services such as accountants, architects, motor vehicle service and repair centres, telecommunication services, security services, real estate agents, car park operators and legal services.

“The broader coverage under the GST means that more services will be subject to the GST compared to the current service tax. This would mean that the price of services will increase.

“The truth is that the GST will increase the price of the majority of goods and services even after removing the SST, the financial burden of the people will increase,” he said.

Umno-BN Government Improvident, People Incur the GST and Reduction of Subsidies

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SHAH ALAM, 27 Oct: The reduction of subsidies and the imposing of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) is not a solution to the country’s economic problems which stems from the improvident attitude in Umno-BN’s spending.

PAS Information Chief, Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man said the implementation of the GST can only be done when the Umno-BN takes responsibility to reduce its operational management and not continue to be improvident with public money.

He said that the people are not given a period to adjust to the GST when it is announced at the high rate of 6 percent starting from 1 April 201.

“With the GST, those who do not have cars and do not have permanent jobs so as to not quality to pay taxed on every purchase,” he said in a statement.

Tuan Ibrahim said, in Singapore, the GST was introduced at a rate of 3 percent before gradually increasing to 7 percent.

“Some say that villagers will not feel the burden of the GST. It should be reminded that most of the items sold in grocery stores in villages come from suppliers in the city.

“The goods would already be subject to the GST when they arrive at the grocery store. Although small grocery stores are exempt from the GST because it does not exceed the minimum procurement, goods sold to village communities would certainly be more expensive because it would already been subject to the GST by suppliers,” he said.

Member of Parliament for Petaling Jaya Utara, Tony Pua said that the government’s move to impose the GST is not able to hide their failure in controlling excessive spending since the deficit remains the same.

The additional collection in tax as specified in the Economic Report 2013/2014 should help alleviate the chronic deficit to 2.6 percent, but instead it remains unchanged at the four percent forecast.

“Although the government collects much higher that the revenues expected, the deficit for 2013 remains unchanged at RM39.3 billion.

“This means that every cent of additional revenue collected by the government is immediately spent, rather than contributing to reduce the debt,” he said.