PUTRAJAYA needs to raise the minimum wage for workers and set up a special committee to deal with the issues of rising prices and the high cost of living, consumer associations said.

They told The Malaysian Insight that steps must be taken to address the issue as controlling price increases is the responsibility of the government and not consumers.

The groups are also concerned that the price of goods will continue to rise next year which will further burden consumers and traders if the government does not take effective measures.

Subang and Shah Alam Consumers Association (Cassa) president Jacob George said this special committee should be represented by industry players and consumer associations.

“Currently I see no political determination to resolve this issue. What we see in statements and the approach taken by the government is very different.

“It does not reflect reality. That’s why this action committee needs to be established.

“But appoint those who have experience in the industry and have a good track record,” he said.

Consumers continue to be pressured due to the increase in the price of basic goods such as imported rice and chicken due to traders raising the price of their products.

Suppliers expect food prices to keep rising in the third quarter of 2023 as Malaysia continues to rely on imports and the ringgit stays weak.

They expect consumer goods prices to increase by up to 20% due to import inflation and increased business operating costs.

George said several measures have been taken to control the price of goods before but all of failed to achieve its goals.

“The groups that are addressing the issues have no vision and grassroots experience.

“It needs to be linked with the right people from the grassroots. This team must be committed, ready all the time, every day.

“It is crucial to deal with the food supply crisis in our country,” he said.

He said the problem of price increases is not a new issue and is often raised by industry players.

“For seven years we discussed the same problem, the cost of living, not enough supplies, cartel issues and hidden hands.

“Even after the Covid-19 pandemic, we are still facing these issues,” he said.

The Consumers’ Association of Kedah (Cake) president Mohamad Yusrizal Yusoff, also believes that the role of controlling the price of goods has to be fully borne by the government.

He said consumers can take initiatives to reduce their spending but it is still burdensome for them.

“It is not the user’s responsibility. It’s like when we used to run a campaign to boycott stores that sell expensive goods.  

“But, prices keep rising. So consumers don’t really have a choice,” he said.

Yusrizal said even during this time consumers had to work two or three jobs and reduce their expenses such as eating out and limiting social activities.

He said this is because the increase in the price of goods is not equivalent to the salary they are getting.

“The government needs to raise the minimum wage for civil servants and private employees to deal with these issues.

“Most of us are worried because the increase in the price of goods continues every year.

“Even now, as we are approaching the end of the year, the price of goods is expected to rise again. There needs to be immediate action,” Yusrizal said. – October 12, 2023.