WITH positive economic signs including the ringgit’s rise against the US dollar and a recovering stock market, the government must ensure that the benefits of growth are felt on the ground, says Penang PKR deputy chairman Goh Choon Aik.
“Both the federal and state governments must see to it that their policies result in real, tangible improvements in the people’s daily lives.
“What people care most about are the prices of essential goods and if there is room for reduction,” he said during the state PKR Chinese New Year gathering with the media at a Tanjong Tokong restaurant.
Ahead of the dinner, a traditional yee sang tossing was held with Goh, state PKR advisor Law Choo Kiang, state PKR deputy strategy director Lee Boon Heng, Penang Island City Council (MBPP) councillor Chan Soon Aun and other PKR leaders.
Goh said fuel prices were a clear example.
“When fuel prices come down, it is something the public can immediately appreciate.”
“The authorities should examine whether prices of other goods could also be adjusted downward following the strengthening of the ringgit,” he added.
Goh, who is Bukit Tambun assemblyman, also addressed the pig-farming sector in his constituency and said the industry’s main challenge was environmental pollution rather than racial or religious sensitivities.
“Major pig-farming areas such as Kampung Valdor in Nibong Tebal and Kampung Selamat in Tasek Gelugor must fully implement modern measures.
“Three key components, which are a closed-house farming system, modern abattoir and centralised waste treatment facility, must be implemented.
“These are primarily for bio-security to prevent diseases such as African Swine Fever (ASF) or the Nipah virus and to ensure food safety,” he said.
Goh added that Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow had described the Kampung Valdor project as a success story.
“With the centralised waste treatment facility now in operation, long-standing odour and pollution issues have been significantly reduced.”
However, he said that pig farmers in Kampung Selamat were anxious following Selangor’s ban on pig farming in the state.
It was reported that the Selangor government would stop issuing new pig farming licences and gradually phase out existing farms.
