AN assemblyman at the Penang State Legislative Assembly sitting today called on the state government to adopt more proactive and targeted measures to help ease the people’s rising cost of living burden.
While debating the motion of thanks to the Yang di-Pertua Negeri of Penang Tuan Yang Terutama Tun Ramli Ngah Talib’s address today, Teh Lai Heng (PH-Komtar) said the ongoing global energy crisis has had a direct impact on the economy and the daily cost of living faced by the rakyat.
“The increase in global energy prices has not only placed pressure on the industrial and business sectors, but is also being felt by ordinary people through rising prices of goods, food, transportation and other daily expenses.
“In light of this, I would like to propose that the Penang government further strengthen its people-centric assistance packages with approaches that are more practical and closely aligned with the needs of the rakyat on the ground,” he said.
Firstly, Teh proposed that the Skim Pinjaman Harapan (SPH) be expanded, particularly for small traders and hawkers.
“Small and easily accessible financing schemes can help them sustain their businesses and prevent them from falling into the trap of unlicensed money lenders or ‘Ah Long’, which could eventually lead to more serious social and financial problems.
“I also propose that the Penang Development Corporation (PDC) introduce mobile service counters at markets and local communities so that information on SPH assistance can be delivered directly to small traders without requiring them to go through complicated procedures.
“A grassroots approach like this would be far more effective, as many small traders are still unaware of the assistance that is actually available to them,” Teh explained.
Teh added that local councils could also play a role by considering discounts or reductions in business licence fees for small traders who are currently struggling with rising operating costs.
“Although such measures may appear small, they can provide much-needed breathing space for traders to continue surviving in today’s challenging economic climate.
“In today’s uncertain global economic environment, the government must ensure that the assistance provided truly reaches the people and delivers a direct impact on their daily lives,” he said.
Story by Riadz Akmal