HAPPY NEW YEAR 2014 FROM SABAH, THE LAND BELOW THE WIND!
2014 will be a difficult year for the medium and low income groups in Sabah. The government of the day does not seemed to understand the needs of the people. All the promises made by the ruling party before the 13th general election in 2013 have disappeared.
The cost of living is expected to be the highest ever since Malaysia was formed. The giant killers are the increase in petrol, diesel, electricity and water tariff.
The diesel price has increased twice from RM1.60 per litre to RM2.00 per litre just before the year end. Petrol (RON95) is now RM2.10. I heard that there would be a further increase in the coming months. It is unbelievable that Malaysia being an oil producing country is unable to help the ordinary people. The Petronas (Malaysia Oil company) earned billions of dollars each year and the huge profit has gone into the pockets of only a few.
Enjoying a break in the coffee shop is no longer a cheap past time. A cup of coffee or tea which costs around RM1.80 per cup may go up from RM2.00 or more. With no salary increase for the ordinary folks, people have to tighten their belts, unless some drastic changes are made by the government, which is very unlikely.
The ministers, directors of various government agencies, heads of government departments including the PM and DPM do not pay electricity, water, petrol and many other bills as these are settled by the government funds. They do not care how the ordinary people suffer with the ever increase of the cost of living.
The worst is yet to come as the Government will introduce a 6% GST (good and service tax) effective from April 2015. Life will not be easy for those in the medium and lower income groups.
May God help us!
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