'Increase in petrol prices around Hari Raya exploits rakyat'

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The increase in petrol prices so close to the Hari Raya celebrations is a form of exploitation on the rakyat, said former minister Zainuddin Maidin.

"Congratulations for being so smart in exploiting the rakyat," Zainuddin said in a blog post today.

He pointed out that as thousands of people, especially the Malays, head back to their hometowns during the festive season, petrol stations all over the country are filled with lines of cars waiting to top up.

"This is a huge opportunity that only comes once a year," he said.

The rakyat cannot avoid the increase in petrol prices because their excitement to go back to their hometowns would make them dismiss this price increase, he said.

Civil servants were placated with the announcements of wage hikes and an extra day off on Friday, he said, while those in the private sector were placated with the hike in the minimum wage.

On July 1, petrol prices increased by five sen across the board. For the past two months, petrol prices had remained the same. - Mkini