Malaysia: One Suggestion for a Price Balance

Source from:  Free Malaysia Today  10/24/2012

The 20 sen increase in the prices of British American Tobacco (M) Bhd's (BAT) cigarettes on Oct 22, 2012 will have a positive impact on Malaysians. Smoking remains the biggest cause of preventable illness in this country. There is evidence that increasing the price of cigarettes deters people from smoking. It's an essential strategy to protect the long-term health of Malaysians. More than half of all long-term smokers are dying because of their smoking habits. The price increase in excise will cut total tobacco consumption. Persatuan Kebajikan Dan Sosial Gemilang would like to suggest that the price of cigarettes may be increased a further 20-30 sen, and bring down the price of petrol (RON97) where the price hike was made on Sept 7, 2012 from RM2.70 to RM3. We suggest the price of RON97 be dropped by 30 sen and the shortcoming can be adjusted with the price hike of cigarettes. The cost of fuel prices rising have not been optimistic for low and middle class income people. In addition, rising fuel prices will add cost on food, transportation, production and affect import and export markets as well. Therefore we suggest a balance of prices to promote the nation's economy and perk up the lifestyle of its people. Enditem