High cost of living main concern among Johor folk

JOHOREANS are hoping the state Budget 2024 will focus on addressing issues such as escalating prices of essential goods, high cost of living and weak ringgit.

Store manager Jenny Chin pointed out the increasing prices of necessities.

She said the cost of living in Johor Baru was much higher than Kuala Lumpur.

“The stronger Singapore dollar is making matters worse,” she added.

Assistant optometrist Abdul Hadi Shaari said Johor Baru needed more shops offering essential items at reasonable prices.

Abdul Hadi says there should be shops offering essential items at reasonable prices.

He said Iskandar Malaysia’s close proximity with Singapore had pushed prices up.

Retiree and former radio deejay A. Madhavan said the well-being of Johor people should be the main focus of the budget.

“Hopefully, our Mentri Besar (Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi) can consider giving cash aid to lighten the burden of the people,” he said.

Madhavan said Malaysians’ purchasing power had gone down as the ringgit continued to depreciate against major currencies.

Business owner Irene Wong said prices of cooked food had become more expensive as the cost of raw ingredients had gone up.

“Eating out is expensive but my husband and I have no choice,” she added.

Wong said they spent about RM50 daily on breakfast and lunch.

Wong says she and her husband spend about RM50 a day on breakfast and lunch.

She also hoped the state government could look at ways to reduce traffic congestion in Johor Baru.

“It is not good for business as Singaporeans are making fewer trips to Johor Baru because of this, especially on weekends and public holidays,” she noted.

Business owner Mahnum Abdul Rahman urged the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry to look into the escalating prices of sugar and eggs.

“Spot checks should be done regularly on wholesalers, suppliers and distributors.”

Retired civil servant K. Arumugan cited the lack of affordable housing in Iskandar Malaysia, especially Perling and Kempas.

Arumugan says Perling and Kempas in Iskandar Malaysia lacks affordable housing.

The chairman of Sri Subra-maniar Temple in Tampoi hoped that the state would also assist Indians from the B40 group who wanted to become petty traders but were held back by the lack of capital and financial assistance.