SHAH ALAM - Penang Petty Traders Association president Ooi Thean Huat says the government should be proactive in monitoring prices of goods and adopt strict enforcement to stop retailers from increasing the prices.
He said the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry was instead too slow in taking action on the increase of the cost of living which is the key issue currently faced by the people.
"I am of the view that the ministry is too slow in taking action.
"I have yet to see the new government implement effective measures to control the prices of goods,” he said in an interview with Chinese-language newspaper Sin Chew Daily.
Ooi pointed out that the government of the day had to take over a lot of "mess” from the previous government.
"It needs at least six months to deliver. On the whole, ringgit has appreciated and businesses are bouncing back,” he added.
Ooi's comment was in light of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s 100th day in office since the latter sworn in on Nov 24, last year, following Pakatan Harapan’s (PH) victory in the 15th General Election (GE15).