13/07/2025

NATIONAL 3 theSun on Sunday JULY 13, 2025

Rising costs make RM10 daily meal budget unfeasible

Ű BY IKHWAN ZULKAFLEE newsdesk@thesundaily.com

PETALING JAYA: With the Sabah election on the horizon, political analysts believe the contest will be shaped more by local dynamics, regional sentiment and economic grievances than by federal political narratives from the peninsula. The state political landscape is said to be “too fluid” for predictions, but analysts agree that Sabah politics follow a different rhythm than the rest of the country. International Islamic University Malaysia associate professor Dr Syaza Shukri described the Sabah political environment as “very fluid”, in which Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) could still hold ground, but only with strategic cooperation. “GRS’s main challengers are Parti Warisan and Umno. If there is a way to work with Barisan Nasional and Pakatan Harapan (PH), it would make things easier for GRS.” Syaza said using Sabah as a political barometer for other states would not be accurate, adding that its unique demographic and the central issue of state autonomy make it incomparable to peninsular states. Independent analyst Dr Lim Teck Ghee shared the view that the outcome in Sabah would likely have little impact on politics in the peninsula. “A new state-oriented political consciousness has emerged in East Malaysia. “The outcome would depend on the ability of parties to forge PETALING JAYA: While surviving on RM10 for three meals a day is not entirely impossible, the majority of Malaysians polled by theSun believe such a budget is unrealistic in today’s economic climate. Respondents highlighted rising food prices, especially in urban areas, as a major obstacle to keeping meal costs low. Many said even the most basic meals often exceed RM3 per serving, making it difficult to stretch RM10 across an entire day. Some acknowledged that it might be achievable under specific circumstances such as cooking at home using bulk ingredients, but noted that this option is not practical for everyone, particularly those with demanding work schedules or limited access to kitchen facilities. In Petaling Jaya, local company manager David Loo said his breakfast alone would surpass the RM10 budget. “A bowl of wantan mee, for example, costs about RM8 in Petaling Jaya. If you add a kopi cham (a mix of coffee and milk tea), it typically costs RM3.50. “Of course, if you are on a budget, you can choose cheaper alternatives such as bread with

RM30 daily on food. “Even if I only eat two meals outside, breakfast and lunch still cost at least RM20. That is in Klang. In larger cities, it is probably even more expensive,” he said. In Penang, nurse Nur Latifah Abdul Razak, 37, said to keep to a RM10 food budget, she would need to make major compromises. “I would have to buy three packets of rice and vegetables and eat just one piece of chicken a day. I might manage for a short period, but it is not sustainable in the long term,” she said. Similarly, teacher Nur Shamilah Mat Said, who lives in Jerlun, Kedah, said the cost of living even in rural areas makes such a tight food budget difficult to maintain. “Even outside urban areas, RM10 for three meals is no longer sufficient.”

vegetarian options, which she chooses on auspicious days, are not necessarily more affordable. “I sometimes eat vegetarian meals but they are not easily available and are often quite expensive. I am from Bidor in Perak and even there, RM10 a day would not be sufficient,” she said. Rahmadi Shahrul Aznur, 50, a technician at a private hospital in Kuala Lumpur, shared a similar perspective. “Breakfast with drinks costs me RM5 to RM6, and lunch can reach RM10. So, RM10 for the entire day is not realistic. “My workplace canteen offers food at a lower price for staff, but how long can one eat the same food every day?” he said. Even outside major cities, the situation does not improve significantly. Civil servant Aizuddin Abdullah, 37, who works in Klang, said he usually spends about

Poll respondents highlight soaring food prices, impracticality of strict spending and difficulty maintaining balanced diet

adding that a RM10 daily budget may have been feasible in the past, but not under the current economic circumstances. “It has been years since one could have balanced meals for RM10 a day,” she added. Friends Annaletchumy Selvarajan, 36, and Shubathra Punathan, 39, shared similar views, saying that obtaining a proper, balanced meal within that budget is nearly impossible. “Typically, you would want rice, a piece of chicken or fish, and a side of vegetables. That already costs at least RM6 per meal. If you eat twice a day, that is already RM12,” said Shubathra. Annaletchumy added that even

plain water in the morning. However, I need a substantial meal to start the day and two to three buns per serving, depending on the type, can also exceed RM10,” said the 59-year old, adding that he usually spends RM1,500 a month on food. Liana Ali, 40, a manager at a Petaling Jaya-based company said although she often skips breakfast, RM10 is simply not enough to cover her daily food expenses. “I would estimate my lunch costs between RM6 and RM8. It is possible to spend less perhaps by limiting rice dishes to a fried egg or vegetables but can one really eat like that every day?” she said,

‘Sabah election hinges on local sentiment, not federal narratives’

peninsula parties such as PH and Umno, Sabah-based parties such as GRS and Warisan remain dominant due to grassroots strength and local sentiment. On the performance of the Madani government, he acknowledged visible efforts in infrastructure and welfare but noted significant gaps in rural connectivity and service delivery. “There is still a trust deficit, particularly in remote areas of Sabah, that must be addressed,” he said. All the analysts agreed that economic issues, especially the rising cost of living, Sales and Service Tax expansion and tariff hikes, are weighing heavily on the electorate and could prove decisive in how Sabahans vote. “The government’s ability to control the narrative around economic issues will be crucial,” Syaza said. Sivamurugan also highlighted the growing role of Sabahans living in the peninsula, who may influence the direction of the campaign, especially on issues such as the Malaysia Agreement 1963. In June, Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor confirmed that the state election would be held earlier than expected, possibly as early as this month. However, there is no indication yet that the state legislative assembly would be dissolved soon, with automatic dissolution set to take effect in November. – by Ikhwan Zulkaflee

strong alliances that appeal to Kadazandusun voters, young voters and Sabah’s diverse electorate,” he said, adding that no single coalition or party has a clear advantage in the fragmented field. Lim believes the contest would centre on who can best address local concerns and economic grievances, especially amid the rising cost of living. Universiti Malaya political analyst Dr Mohammad Tawfik Yaakub said Sabah cannot be used as a benchmark for political trends elsewhere in Malaysia. “Its politics are shaped by family ties, powerful local figures and a strong ‘Sabah for Sabahans’ sentiment. Sabah is unique and cannot serve as a template for other state elections,” he said. Tawfik added that PH may find relative safety in Sabah, not through direct dominance but due to federal alignment. “The ruling party in Sabah tends to align with the federal government. With PH now leading the unity government, that gives it an advantage going into GE16,” he said, adding that national and global issues are unlikely to sway voters in Sabah. “Previous elections have shown that external narratives don’t sell well in Sabah. The campaign should focus on local issues.” Universiti Sains Malaysia political analyst Prof Datuk Dr Sivamurugan Pandian said despite the involvement of

Health minister welcomes exemption from 45-hour work week CULTURAL SHOWCASE ... Representatives from the Sabah and Sarawak communities living in the Klang Valley showcasing their traditional items during the Hari Gawai and Tadau Kaamatan celebration at Pasar Borneo, Seri Kembangan in Selangor yesterday. – ADAM AMIR HAMZAH/THESUN

week for its five critical service schemes. It is recognition for the dedication and spirit of healthcare workers who assist patients fighting for their lives every day and at all hours,” he said. On Thursday, the government agreed to exempt five critical service schemes under the ministry from the implementation of the 45-hour shift work week, involving 82,637 healthcare personnel, social nurses, medical officers in emergency departments, assistant medical officers and healthcare assistants. Malayan Nurses Union president Saaidah Athman welcomed the move, calling it a reflection of government concern for the welfare of healthcare civil servants. – Bernama

PUTRAJAYA: Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad has praised the government decision to exempt five critical service schemes under the Health Ministry from a weekly 45-hour shift, allowing them to maintain the current 42-hour work week. On behalf of the ministry’s workforce, he expressed appreciation to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim for the exemption. In a statement, he said the decision is clear evidence of the government commitment to understanding and valuing the sacrifices of healthcare workers physically, mentally and emotionally. “The ministry welcomes the decision to maintain the current 42-hour work