Zuraida: Many Malaysians starving despite rosy economic picture

PKR Wanita chief says Umno politicians do not understand why people are skipping meals to make ends meet as they are disconnected from the situation on the ground.

PETALING JAYA: PKR Wanita chief Zuraida Kamaruddin today questioned Malaysia’s rosy economic picture ahead of the 14th general election (GE14), saying it does not reflect the people’s true situation.

Referring to the recent Merdeka Center survey which showed that 15% of Malaysians were skipping meals to make ends meet, she said Umno politicians did not understand this as they were disconnected from the situation on the ground.

According to Budget 2018, she said, seven million recipients would receive BR1M aid.

“Considering all recipients are above 21 years old and of a voting age, BR1M is targeted at the 13 million or more registered voters.

“This means that about half of our voting population is dependent on BR1M. Otherwise, it can also be interpreted as a whopping 22.5% of Malaysia’s 31 million total population earning below RM4,000 per household, the criteria for applying for BR1M,” she said in a statement.

Zuraida, who is Ampang MP, said university students skipped meals because they could not afford it.

She said a simple meal in urban areas cost between RM7 and RM10, while even instant noodles cost RM3.50 per cup.

“If students cook meals themselves, they will still need about RM300 per month for food.

“Unless the students are on a scholarship, they still need to pay for lodging and transportation. How many poor families can afford such additional expenditure to secure a better future for their children?” she asked, adding that some students even lived on donated food packs.

Households with children and elderly parents were also affected by living costs, she said, citing expenses such as school fees, clothes, food and extra medical costs for senior family members.

“If we consider the unemployment rate given by the ministry which is at 4%, then there is not that much to worry about.

“However, is it true that only 4% are unemployed?”

Zuraida said although the trend of dual-income families was on the rise, single-income families were still the norm.

She added that data from the Welfare Department, zakat and district offices would confirm that more than 4% are unemployed and that single-income families were struggling to get by.

Ahead of GE14, she said, stock markets would look rosy, the ringgit would strengthen and cash aid would be handed out to boost voters’ confidence.

“Even petrol prices will come down, and maybe even the GST will be reviewed. But still, this does not change the fact that a large portion of our population is poor and starving.

“The only way for us, if any, is to stem corruption and change the government this general election. Then maybe, we still have the opportunity to save our children from starvation.” -FMT