Published: Monday September 9, 2013 MYT 12:00:00 AM
Updated: Monday September 9, 2013 MYT 8:27:07 AM
STORY AND PHOTOS BY CHERYL HEW CHERYLHEW@THESTAR.COM.MY
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| More policemen: Some want more policemen and patrols to help bring down the crime rate. |
THE rising cost of living and crime rate are the main concerns of the older folk in Perak as they wait for the tabling of Budget 2014 next month.
Retiree Choong Lee Chong, 63, was of the opinion that the Government should take measures to ensure the price of basic necessities remained in the reach of those from the lower income group.
“The price of goods and inflation keeps on rising while the income of many remain the same.
“However, the Government must conduct in-depth studies to determine areas where subsidies could be best implemented and not squander away our country’s finances,” he said.
Tuition teacher B. Rajan, 56, said the tabling of the Budget was a means for the Government to analyse the outcomes of the measures implemented in previous budgets, discover any shortcomings and come up with better solutions.
“Ask anyone about their problems and you would find that most of the issues stem from the rising cost of living and the financial burden it places on the people.
“Just look at how many people lined up at petrol stations to fill their cars before the RM0.20 petrol price hike.
“It shows that even RM0.20 means a lot to them,” he said.
Salesman Tan Kok Liang, in his thirties, hoped that the Government would not announce the implementation of the goods and services tax (GST) in Budget 2014.
He said the tax would be a financial burden to many people, whose salary increment was minimal.
“When price of goods are high, people will cut down on their spending.
“This would cause business in malls, hypermarkets, grocery stores and restaurants to reduce.
“A reduction in purchasing power will be bad for the economy in the long run,” he said.
Tan opined that Malaysians would not be ready to accept GST as long as their salaries were not readjusted.
Former teacher Sawaran Kaur, 59, said the escalating crime rate throughout the country was among the issues that concerned her most these days.
“We cannot even leave our houses without fearing for our lives because of the rampant shootings and how easy it is for criminals to obtain firearms.
“While most shootings are related to gang disputes, innocent people may still get caught between the crossfire.
“I think the Government should introduce measures to beef up the country’s security and maybe hire more policemen to protect its citizens,” she said.
Engineer Hafiz Mohizan, 45, suggested that the Government implement a nationwide programme to install more closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras at crime hotspots that would aid in the capture of criminals.
“While I believe our policemen are doing their best to combat crime, they might be hindered in their investigations due to lack of evidence and manpower.
“The Government should make full use of scientific and technological advancements to aid in the fight against crime and bring a measure of peace to the country,” he said.
Manager Adelyn Yee, 46, said greater emphasis should be placed on maintaining cleanliness in cities and tourist destinations.
“We have many beautiful tourist spots around the country and the Government rightfully introduces many programmes aimed at attracting foreign and local tourists there.
“However, the problems of litterbugs and vandals still exist and bring shame to the country whenever tourists see rubbish or graffiti strewn all over the otherwise idyllic attractions.
“It is high time they carry out a thorough approach in tackling these problems instead of just sweeping them under the carpet,” she said.
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