IPOH, Jan 2 — Putting 2015 into perspective, the introduction of the Goods and Services Tax (GST), and the depreciation of ringgit, has led to Malaysians hoping the government will take affirmative action this year in helping them cope with the rising costs of living.

While hoping the global and local economies improve this year, those recently interviewed by Malay Mail believe more concrete measures should be introduced to help people cope with such difficult times.

Edwin Michael, 32, a lecturer at a private college in Kampar, said people were worried that prices of goods, services and properties would rise this year.

“We need more affordable houses. The price of landed property is very high in certain areas like Ipoh and Kampar. It is not easy or affordable to own a home,” he said.

“I had planned to buy a house in Kampar last year, but I could not without stretching my finances beyond my limits,” he said.

He also lamented that house rental had increased as well.

Mei Feng Lee, 29, a sales executive, said one way the government could help reduce the people’s burden was by reviewing GST, as it had partially contributed to the increase in prices of goods and services.

“We are paying more for almost everything now, even small items. I feel the pinch because my ability to save money has diminished,” she said. 

“Cost of goods and essentials continue to rise, but not incomes. In the long run, many of us will not be able to save enough money to buy a house or pay medical expenses. If the government wants to help us, then I believe GST should be reviewed.”

Echoing Mei’s sentiments was 50-year-old housewife Maisarah Nor Tahir, who said she and her husband, who was nearing retirement, depended on money from their children to manage their monthly expenses.

“I’m not working and my husband does not earn much. We depend on our children to help us financially, but how long can they afford to do that?

“My friends and relatives are also facing the same problem. The high costs of living is difficult for us,” she said.

“I sincerely hope this year, the government will focus on solutions to help the lower-income group.”

Businessman Yew Teck Huat, 47, brought up the issue of public transportation fare hikes.

He said fares for taxis, buses and even the train service had gone up drastically.

“Everything is going up. The excuse given is the current economic situation and the weakening ringgit merited the implementation of GST,” he said.

“Public transportation fares should remain affordable. The government must exert more control to prevent public transport operators from overcharging the public.”

Concerned with the impact of the economy on the people’s pocket, Simon Kumar Raj, 45, a field safety engineer, said a major issue being faced by those in the lower income group was the struggle to put food on the table.

“Prices of raw food items, be it vegetables, meat, lentils, condiments and spices, keep going up. The days of cheap home-cooked food may just be another anecdote from the past,” Simon said.

He said he had been hearing stories of poor students and workers having to survive on just one meal a day because of the high food prices.

“The government seems to have no control in capping rising prices. It must make sure traders do not overcharge for basic goods and essentials,” he said.