Maintaining Price Of RON95 Petrol Proof Of M'sian Govt's Sensitivity To People's Need

KUALA LUMPUR, March 29 (Bernama) -- The Federation of Malaysian Consumer Associations (Fomca) on Wednesday said the decision to maintain the price of RON95 petrol at US$0.61 (RM1.90) was proof of the government's concern for the people. Fomca president N. Marimuthu said the move would smother the people's reaction to the accompanying hike in prices of other items if the price of petrol went up. "The government is concerned with the needs of the people despite the current increase in the price of fuel in the global market. This shows the action of the government is in line with Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak's 'People First, Performance Now' slogan," he told Bernama when contacted here, Wednesday. On Tuesday, Domestic Trade Cooperatives and Consumerism Minister Seri Ismail Sabri Yaacob announced that the government had no plans to increase the price of RON95 petrol despite a hike in crude oil prices at the global market. Transport Workers Union (TWU) secretary-general Zainal Rampak said the decision to maintain fuel price showed the importance of a nation administered by a stable and concerned government. He also reminded the people to always be thankful for such efforts. The Petrol Dealers Association of Malaysia (PDAM) president Hashim Othman said he was satisfied and happy with the government's decision. "We all know if the price of fuel goes up, there will be a chain reaction in the price of other goods. As such, maintaining the current price will go a long way to help consumers," he said. Peninsular Malaysia Road Transport Officers Union president Hamzah Masri said the association appreciated the decision made by the government to help reduce the burden of the people. "The government acted through appropriate evaluation by bearing the fuel subsidy of 10 sen and this also showed the government had the people at heart," he said. Kuala Lumpur and Selangor Taxi operators and Rental Car Association president Aslah Abdullah said the decision of the government was a great help, especially for taxi operators who were still using petrol. "Although, most taxis, especially in the Klang Valley, are using NGV but there are still many states where taxis are using RON95 and maintaining its price can help them, especially the low income earners," he said. -- BERNAMA