FOMCA RECOMMENDS PRICE REDUCTIONS TO ACHIEVE 7TH NKRA

KUALA LUMPUR, July 28 (Bernama) -- The Federation of Malaysian Consumers
Associations (Fomca) has suggested that the government reduce prices on health,
education, transport and housing to curb the rising cost of living.

"Although household income cannot be increased in the short term, such price
reductions can free up money for necessities," Fomca secretary-general Muhammad
Sha'ani Abdullah told Bernama.

He was commenting on Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak's announcement Wednesday
on curbing the cost of living as the seventh National Key
Result Area (NKRA).

Muslim Consumers Association of Malaysia secretary-general Dr Maamor
Osman, meanwhile, said: "I believe the cooperation of consumers, manufacturers,
retailers, importers and related ministries is needed to achieve results."

He said the addition of the NKRA proved the government was sensitive to
problems faced by the people.

Federal Territory Bumiputera Traders and Shopkeepers Association president
Mithlan Samijoo said the announcement was timely as prices had been increasing
every year, especially of food.