BY: SARA ANUAR

A number of Malaysians are complaining that there has been a steep hike in the cost of goods and services after this Chinese New Year despite government assurances that there will be no such increase.

Some netizens complain that their regular visits to their favourite kopitiam have now to be reduced as they can no longer afford the cost of kopi-o and teh-o or other beverages and food as their incomes have not kept pace with inflation.

This issue of increases in the prices of goods and services has become an annual dilemma and, while Malaysians understand businesses need to make profits, what they are against are businesses engaged in profiteering.

Compounding the problem is the issue of rentals being upped annually which causes a heavy strain on businesses who have to pay these high rental rates which they have no choice but to pass on to customers to absorb.

Social media platforms cite the need for the government to intervene in this situation as they are heavily burdened by having to cough out more for eating and drinking outside their homes as they have no choice.

The plight of Malaysians caught in this vicious cycle of price increases, and who are unable to cope are many, and this is why they are calling upon the government to come up with amicable solutions to appease all parties.

-THE MALAYSIA VOICE

** The views expressed on this opinion is of the writer and not the publisher