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By Mihar Dias (C) Copyright April 2024
As Malaysians gear up for the joyous occasion of Aidil Fitri in April, the atmosphere is marred by the harsh reality of rising living costs.
Families, particularly those with school-going children, find themselves grappling with tightened budgets, putting a damper on their Hari Raya preparations.
Halizah Mohd Ariff, a homemaker, aptly encapsulates the prevailing sentiment, stating, “It’s tough this Hari Raya. Expenses for school uniforms, exercise books, and stationery have come together with the school reopening.” Her decision to forego shopping for herself and her husband underscores the financial crunch felt by many.
Even Mohd Yusry Bukhary, a taxi driver, and his wife, a clerk, have had to cut back on their festive spending. They purchased only essentials for their five children and curtains, highlighting the economic strain faced by families across the country. The reopening of schools has only exacerbated the situation, forcing families to make difficult financial choices.
Adding insult to injury is the government's lack of support for those most in need. While civil servants and retirees receive special financial assistance, senior citizens, the physically disabled, and others are left to fend for themselves. This disparity underscores the government's disconnect from the financial struggles of its citizens.
Dr. Niaz Asadullah, an economics professor at Monash University, explains that cautious spending is a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, which has reshaped household spending patterns. Families are now forced to prioritize and juggle competing financial demands, stretching their budgets to the limit.
This festive season, as families navigate these financial hardships, Anwar's government must take heed of the growing discontent. The cost of living is not just a statistic; it's a daily struggle for many Malaysians. Failure to address these concerns will only deepen the resentment towards a government perceived as out of touch with the people's plight.
Anwar's government cannot afford to ignore the financial burden faced by low-income Malaysians. Aidil Fitri should be a time of celebration and joy, not a reminder of financial constraints.
As families tighten their belts, Anwar's government must tighten its grip on reality, lest it lose touch with the very people it aims to serve.
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