24/03/2026

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Malaysian Paper

/thesundaily /

Increase in cost of food, essentials a strain: Fomca PETALING JAYA: While petrol prices remain stable, Malaysian households are still grappling with high living costs, with rising prices of food and daily essentials continuing to strain family budgets, according to the Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations (Fomca). “Stable fuel prices do help prevent further escalation in costs. Daily expenses such as food, utilities and services play a much larger role in shaping household financial pressures,” said Fomca CEO Saravanan Thambirajah He said despite steady petrol prices, many households do not feel a meaningful reduction in overall expenses. “Consumers are reporting increases in fresh vegetable prices in certain areas, likely due to supply and distribution factors.” He added that restaurants and food stalls are also gradually adjusting prices in response to higher operating costs. Saravanan said while these increases are noticeable, there has not yet been a widespread surge in complaints across all sectors. He said at present the most significant increases are seen in the cost of fresh vegetables and dining out. “Other essential goods and services have not triggered significant complaints yet but this may change depending on broader cost pressures in the coming months. “Without fuel subsidies, the Consumer Price Index will likely increase much more sharply as fuel directly affects transport, logistics and supply chain expenses.” He said by stabilising fuel prices the government is helping to contain cost pressures across multiple sectors. Saravanan said while increases in food and services are being felt, the stabilising effect of fuel subsidies is welcome. “Without such intervention the overall cost of living would be considerably higher.” He said all segments of society are affected by rising costs but the B40 and M40 groups are feeling the impact more acutely. “The B40 continues to receive government assistance, which offers some cushioning, but they remain vulnerable due to limited income and higher dependence on essential goods.” He said the M40 group is increasingly under pressure but many in the group do not qualify for targeted aid. “Those in the M40 group are likely experiencing higher financial stress as they absorb cost increases in food, services and daily expenses while trying to maintain their standard of living.” Saravanan said while fuel subsidies are important, addressing the broader cost-of living challenges require a more comprehensive approach. He said providing targeted support for vulnerable groups, alongside close

‘Petrol subsidies alone not enough to ease living costs’

Ű BY KIRTINEE RAMESH newsdesk@thesundaily.com

“Imported coal prices are rising globally, directly affecting the cost of electricity locally.” Nanthakumar said more broad based policies are needed to help ease the rising cost of living. “The government should strengthen fiscal policy and adopt more targeted spending, ensuring that support reaches those most affected.” He said assistance should not be limited to the B40 group as the M40 are also feeling the pressure from rising costs. “Providing targeted subsidies to businesses can help mitigate cost increases during the production cycle. “Alongside fiscal tools like taxes and subsidies, monitoring and managing production cost factors can gradually reduce cost-push inflation.” He said without a wider and more balanced approach, Malaysians would continue to feel the strain despite temporary relief from fuel subsidies.

o Higher prices of imported goods and production expenses lead to inflation, with consumers ultimately saddled with growing financial burden, says economist

PETALING JAYA: Malaysians will continue to feel the pinch of rising living costs even if petrol prices are stabilised, as deeper structural and global pressures keep driving inflation, warned Universiti Teknologi Malaysia economist Prof Dr Nanthakumar Loganathan. “Inflation occurs when production costs rise across the business cycle. This includes increases in labour, transport, diesel or petrol, rent and other unexpected costs that producers must absorb. Consumers ultimately face higher prices as a result.” He said higher prices of imported goods are also adding to inflation locally, pointing to Malaysia’s reliance on imports, especially for daily necessities. “While subsidies and maximum price controls offer some relief, they cannot fully reduce market prices.” Nanthakumar said although the ringgit has strengthened over the PETALING JAYA: The Health Ministry has issued an urgent warning as an intensifying heatwave has already claimed the life of a child while 15 heat-related cases have been reported this year amid soaring temperatures across the country. In a post on his Facebook page yesterday, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said the current extreme temperatures demand greater vigilance. He urged Malaysians to recognise early signs of heatstroke, including persistent dizziness, intense thirst and a rising body temperature, before conditions worsen. Dzulkefly advised people to move to shaded areas, drink plenty of water and cool down the body to avoid heatstroke. He said children should not be left inside vehicles even for a short period as such negligence could have fatal consequences. Ű BY THE SUN TEAM newsdesk@thesundaily.com

“Subsidising fuel in the current global context places significant pressure on the government’s fiscal position. “Inflation is difficult to control because the production cycle continues to face both direct and indirect cost increases due to the global oil crisis.” He said all sectors of the economy are affected but transport and manufacturing are among those hit the hardest. “Energy costs play a crucial role in these sectors. The oil crisis affects not only production but also electricity generation, which relies heavily on non-renewable sources like coal and gas.

past year, giving Malaysia more purchasing power, many exporting countries are dealing with rising costs in their own markets. “Goods imported from these countries remain expensive. For example, Thailand is currently facing a domestic oil shortage which is likely to push up the cost of its exports. “Malaysia, as an importing nation, will feel the effects of this ‘imported inflation’ in the domestic market.” He said higher global oil prices raise production costs both locally and overseas, which then affects supply chains and leads to higher prices for consumers.

Call to take precautions against heatstroke

It is important to keep well hydrated to prevent heatstroke. – MASRY CHE ANI/THESUN

monitoring of essential goods and services, would be key to easing financial pressures on Malaysian households. – BY KIRTINEE RAMESH Malaysia’s medicine supply adequate, says ministry The Malaysian Meteorological Department reported that Padang Terap in Kedah has been currently issued a Level 2 warning (heatwave), with temperatures

ranging

Level 1 (alert), including the whole of Perlis, several districts in Kedah and parts of Penang, Perak, Pahang and Negeri Sembilan.

MetMalaysia defines a heatwave as sustained temperatures of between 37°C and 40°C for at least three consecutive days.

between 37°C and 40°C. Fourteen areas in Peninsular Malaysia have been placed under

PETALING JAYA: Malaysia’s medicine supply remains stable and tightly managed despite the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, said the Health Ministry. It gave an assurance that any short-term impact on the pharmaceutical supply chain is

of supply disruptions from Product Registration Holders. “Feedback from the local pharmaceutical industry indicates that domestic manufacturers currently hold raw material stocks sufficient for up to three months.” – By Kirtinee Ramesh

It said supply levels are being closely monitored through established mechanisms, including a reporting system managed by the National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency. It added that as of March 22, there had been no upward trend in reports

facilities are maintained for between one and three months, depending on usage needs. “These are further supported by buffer stocks of up to two months held at the concession company level for medicines distributed through logistics agreements.”

minimal. The ministry said in a statement yesterday that current assessments show no significant disruption to supplies, with systems and stockpiles in place to cushion against external shocks. “Stock levels at government health