Citizens' groups want return of fuel subsidy

by Claudia Theophilus     Published 10 Mar 2006    Source : Malaysiakini

Re-instate the pre-Feb 28 fuel subsidy. This is what a group of 16 organisations led by the Malaysian Trades Union Congress (MTUC) wants the government to do immediately.

The call emerged after a meeting, believed to be the first of its kind, between more than 20 representatives of residents associations, rights activist groups, opposition political parties and the trade union umbrella body today.

Last week, the MTUC slammed the government's cavalier attitude in attempting to explain the reduction in fuel subsidy, contending that the move will cause untold hardship to workers particularly fixed wage earners.

Double whammy from higher fuel price

by Arfaeza A Aziz     Published 28 Feb 2006     Source : Malaysiakini

Malaysians will be hit twice - and hard on both counts - by the government's decision to increase the petrol price by 30 sen with effect from today.

This is expected to take inflation and interest rates to a new high - and the worst affected will be low-income earners.

As traders are expected to react immediately by raising the prices of goods and services, few would be surprise if Bank Negara further increases its overnight policy rates (OPR).