Lokman disappointed with Umno over fuel price hike

Lokman Noor Adam, who is vying for the post of Umno Youth vice-chief, said he is disappointed with his party over the recent fuel price hike.

He said this is because this is the first time the party had broken its promise not to increase fuel prices following an election.

The Umno Youth exco member urged Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak to find ways to return the subsidy, at least to households that earn below RM5,000.

“Whether this is through vouchers for additional petrol subsidy or issuing fleet cards for these people, it is up to his discretion.

“Twenty sen may not be much for some people, but it is a burden to the lower and middle income group,” he said in a statement today.

He estimated that the measure would cost RM1.5 billion, whereas the government is expected to save RM1.1 billion through the subsidy reduction for the remainder of this year, and RM3.3 billion beginning next year.

Meanwhile, Malay-language daily Sinar Harian reported today that food sellers and sundry shops in Shah Alam are already beginning to increase their prices.

It quoted the operators as saying that this is because distributors have already increased their prices for new stock and they have no choice but to follow suit.

“Its effects on the prices of goods, especially vegetables, will be seen in a week,” it quoted vegetable seller Sabran Mohamed as saying.

The daily also reported Johor Baru Bus Owners and Drivers Association president Md Saad Mohamad as saying that the price hike would increase its member’s fuel costs by about 30 percent each month.

“After the diesel price hike, I expect the cost to increase to RM900 per month (from RM600 per month to fuel a school van) and this is a burden to us because I have to bear this excess cost whereas the monthly income is uncertain,” he said.

Measures to help reduce cost of living

At the same time, Berita Harian reported that the government is mulling several measures to help reduce the cost of living.

It quoted Finance Ministry secretary-general Mohd Irwan Serigar Abdullah as saying that the government is considering increasing the eligibility limit for BR1M cash aid, which currently stands at RM3,000 per month in household income.

Meanwhile, it quoted Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Minister Hasan Malek as saying that the government is considering bringing RON92 petrol back to the market, after its withdrawal in Sept 1, 2009.