Females held back by patriarchy, religion and tradition, they say.

Both parties say they have been working hard on the ground.

Government controls stifling industry battered by spiralling costs.

Business is further dampened by frugality as people seek cheaper options.

With virtual platforms emerging, higher occupancy rates don’t translate into more money, players say.

Business associations say migrant workers circumvent rules by paying local proxies to get DBKL trading licence.

Industry heads say wealthy foreigners have no incentive to come to Malaysia with more lucrative packages available elsewhere.

Hotels, eateries recouping losses suffered in the last two years.

Industries say they need more money for infrastructure projects to drive economic growth.

They say supply has exceeded local demand.

They call for government invention, tax relief.

Manufacturers, retailers want less government interference in the way they run their business but hope for more assistance. 

Govt urged to remove price control, raise subsidy.

They say people who can afford it prefer to holiday overseas.

Eating out may cost more as inflation bites.