The Malaysian Insight

THE Barisan Nasional programme offering sales on essential items is proof of the government’s failure to manage the country’s economy and control inflation, said Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng today.

He said what the people need is for the price of goods to be maintained.

“If you go to the market now, everyone is complaining about the price of goods. If you spend RM50, you can no longer buy as many items (as before).

“So, what is the point of BN carrying out the sales (programme) every fortnight, or once a month? What we want is (low prices) not just once a month, but daily.”

He said the programme is an attempt by BN to show it is compassionate, but the fact is, the federal government has failed Malaysians.

“They have failed to control prices. That’s why they carry out (the programme), and that, too, only once a month. If the government really wants to help, they have to make sure that the price of goods is maintained.”

The DAP secretary-general said the only way to maintain prices is by abolishing the goods and services tax.

“Without abolishing GST, the price of goods will keep increasing. (BN’s sales programme) is just to get public attention, and to blindside the people.”

The Jualan Sentuhan Rakyat programme, carried out nationwide, is the government’s short-term plan to help reduce the burden on Malaysians in light of the rising cost of living.

The programme, which offers basic items at below-market prices, has been well-received.

The 1Malaysia People’s Aid is another form of government assistance, given to low-income earners.

Seven million people are eligible for the aid, with each getting RM1,200 this year – a big increase from the RM500 given when the programme was introduced in 2012. – March 25, 2018.