STUDENT bodies from various universities will continue to hold street protests if the government fails to address the rising cost of living.

They said if the government fails to listen to their demands then they will organise another protest in the weeks to come.

International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) student union president Aliff Naif said they can’t keep quiet when the people are in a difficult situation now.

He said it is their duty to voice out the issues faced by the people and demand justice for Malaysians.

“One of our demands was a salary cut for ministers but it was ignored. We want them (the government) to see how difficult it is for the people,” Aliff said.

“We want to create awareness that they can’t turn a blind eye to what the people are facing (difficulties).”

About 200 students and members from civil society groups turned up at Central Market in Kuala Lumpur to protest this afternoon.

Aliff also took a jab at the government for setting up committees to address the issue.

“How many committees do they want to set up? The committees are led by the rich,” he said.

“So I urge all students to not keep quiet. This issue not only involves those in our campus but our families and the people.”

“This is not the last time we will voice out our demands if they are not met.”  

He was likely referring to the Special Task Force on Jihad Against Inflation chaired by Communications and Multimedia Minister Annuar Musa.

The students are demanding salary cuts for ministers and their deputies, providing adequate aid to the people, maintaining the current subsidies and not reducing any other subsidies, solving food security issues, and controlling prices of goods and food.

Aliff said they have already raised their demands with the media, so the government should take note of this.

“We hope to have an engagement with government officials or lawmakers on the issues raised and present our proposals on what we think the government can do,” he said.

“The proposals will be on cost of living and food security.”

He added they will be sending letters to the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs and Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industries because it concerns food security. – July 2, 2022.