Consumer groups, NGOs want oil price hike to be reviewed

The BN's price hikes have angered Malaysians

KUALA LUMPUR - The increase in prices of petrol (RON95), diesel, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and sugar from between 5 sen and 20 sen respectively, received adverse reactions from non-governmental organisations (NGOs).

Fomca adviser Prof Hamdan Adnan said the price of RON95 petrol should not have been increased because it remains an important driving force for the people in the country.

“If the price of sugar increases, it is alright but not the price of petrol because it remains the main generator of development and economy of the country and the people defend heavily on its usage daily,” he told Bernama when contacted in Kuala Lumpur today.

When asked to comment on the price hike, he added that there should be a mechanism to regulate the price of fuel so that the target group will continue to enjoy the subsidy.

Effective midnight (Dec 4), RON95 and diesel will go up by 5 sen to RM1.90 and RM1.80 respectively, while the price of LPG will go up by 5 sen per kilogram and sugar price is also going up by 20 sen per kilogram.

Hamdan's views were also shared by Muslim Consumer Association of Malaysia (PPIM), executive secretary Nadzim Johan.

Meanwhile, Cuepacs president Omar Osman said the union was concerned with the increase because it will have a chain reaction and burden the low income group.

“The increase in prices will certainly affect the lower income group, especially civil servants in the lower levels,” he said. - Bernama