Most of us feel the pinch as the cost of living seems to be increasing steadily day by day but one Malaysian minister doesn’t seem to think that we should complain about this.
Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin, the Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Minister said that compared with other Asean countries, the prices of goods in Malaysia are considerably cheaper, based on a report by MMO. #syukurlah
Source: The Star
When asked in Dewan Rakyat on Thursday about the measures taken to control the price of goods, he said, “We should be proud as the prices of goods in Singapore are 70% higher while they are 71% more expensive in Brunei.”Are you feeling proud, people?
He explained, “On the items which I want to compare with an Asean nation Singapore, their GDP is US$52,962 (RM207,044), compared to Malaysia’s of only US$9,463. Thailand is 23 per cent higher, although their GDP position is only US$6,000. Indonesia has a GDP of US$3,599, their prices are 43 per cent more, whereas Philippines with US$3,016, their prices are 76 per cent higher. Laos has a GDP of US$2,400, however prices of things are 59 per cent higher.”
Source: MMO
Hamzah added that there were already subsidies in place for basic necessities such as rice, sugar, cooking oil, gas and flour. Plus, there were price controls in place for some items when festive seasons arrive in Malaysia as many people would stock up on some food items in preparation for the celebrations.
His statement was met with scorn from various netizens as they wondered how he compared these prices and came to this conclusion. Many emphasised on the absurdity especially since the earning power and currency rate is way higher in Singapore, hence it could not be compared.
Here are some of their comments:
Source: Facebook
What do you think of this statement?
Also read: Bung Moktar: Malaysians Having Diabetes and Obesity Prove Country is Prospering
