Thursday, September 25, 2008
Traders Urged To Reciprocate By Reducing Prices Of Goods
September 25, 2008 20:26 PM
Traders Urged To Reciprocate By Reducing Prices Of Goods
KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 25 (Bernama) -- Traders have been urged to reciprocate the government's move to further slash the prices of fuel by reducing the prices of goods.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi has announced the fuel price cut by 10 sen with the price of diesel reduced to RM2.45 per litre and diesel to RM2.40 per litre.
The Federation of Malaysian Consumer Association (Fomca) has expressed its dismay as there was no indication that traders would reciprocate by reducing the prices of goods.
Its secretary-general, Muhammad Sha'ani Abdullah, said as such, Fomca would launch a campaign to persuade traders to reduce the prices of goods especially during the festive seasons.
"Traders should not reap too big a profit, instead they should share the burden of the fuel price hike. We are not forcing them make a loss," he said.
Muslim Consumer Association of Malaysia patron Datuk Dr Maamor Osman said he was skeptical that such campaign would succeed.
"They even defy the laws. We cannot do anything," he said, adding that, he did not expect the prices of goods would be lowered soon.
In KUANTAN, Pahang Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Adnan Yaakob said the fuel price cut should be followed by the reduction in the prices of goods.
"Although the fuel price cut is only 10 sen, the people should be thankful. We have to find ways because when the salaries go up, the prices of goods go up, when the fuel prices go up, the prices of goods also go up but when the fuel prices are lowered, the prices of goods do not go down," he said.
He said the federal and state governments should cooperate in reducing the impact of the fuel price hike.
In SANDAKAN, Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman said the government had honoured its promise by further reviewing the fuel prices since the last increase in June when the petrol price went up by 78 sen per litre and diesel by RM1 per litre.
"This will help ease the burden of the people. I hope traders will not increase the prices of goods further," he said.
In KOTA BAHARU, the Customs Department is worried that the smuggling of petrol and diesel will be rampant with the reduction in fuel prices.
Kelantan Customs director Azis Yacub said the department would step up surveillance in Rantau Panjang, Pasir Mas, Tumpat and Pengkalan Kubor.
In RANTAU PANJANG, Thai motorists welcomed the 10 sen reduction in fuel prices as they had been travelling to the border town to replenish the fuel.
"I make daily trip to Rantau Panjang to buy diesel for my car and the fuel price cut will help me reduce my expenditure," said trader Mahasae Ome, 46, who ferries passengers and goods between Sungai Golok and Narathiwat in southern Thailand.
Motorists from Thailand make a beeline for four petrol kiosks in Rantau Panjang as early as 7am.
For a local taxi driver, Ibrahim Awang, 48, he was thankful with the fuel price reduction as it would help reduce his cost.
"I hope the prices would be further reviewed," he said.
-- BERNAMA
