THE Middle East conflict is taking its toll on Johoreans who are hoping for additional relief from the state and federal governments.
Technical lecturer Asmawi Mispan said prices of raw ingredients had increased since the conflict between the United States and Iran began on Feb 28.
“Once the cost of goods and services move upwards, prices are highly resistant to falling,” he said in an interview.
Asmawi said prior to the conflict, his monthly grocery spending was around RM400, but it had gone up to RM600.
He said even the quota for Budi95 monthly subsidy for RON95 petrol had been reduced from 300 litres to 200 litres, from April 1.
“I hope the Federal Government considers raising the monthly quota to 250 litres.”
Ana Ramlan, who runs a flower nursery in Larkin, Johor Baru, said her microenterprise has been struggling since the conflict started.
The single mother said she was feeling the pinch following a hike in the price of plastic bags due to geopolitical tensions.
She said while there was no shortage of plastic bags in the market, the increase in prices was eating into her profits.
“One kg of 18-litre plastic bags now sells for RM40, up from RM30, a 10kg bag of potting soil is going for RM11.50, up from RM10.50.”
To make matters worse, suppliers of flowers, pots, potting soil and fertiliser have set a minimum order of above RM1,000, or they would not deliver the goods, she said.
Watch shop proprietor Peter Han said close cooperation between the state and federal governments and political stability were key to continued foreign investment, which would improve the economic prospects for Johoreans.
Han said while the Federal Government held regulatory and incentive-granting powers, the Johor government played a crucial, complementary role in attracting foreign direct investment.
He said the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) served as a key economic catalyst.
“Bangsa Johor must not miss the opportunity by taking proactive steps to develop the state,’’ added Han.
Assistant supervisor T. Nithyan is hoping there will be more job opportunities and career prospects as Johor achieves its objective of becoming a developed state.
“However, it is an uphill battle convincing locals to leave their long-term careers in Singapore for Iskandar Malaysia.”
Nithyan said semi-skilled, skilled and Malaysian professionals would continue working in the republic, unless companies in Johor were able to offer better perks.
He added that the brain drain remained unresolved but hoped things would change for the better in the foreseeable future.
“With big companies relocating to Malaysia, especially to the JS-SEZ, Malaysian work permit holders can consider seeking employment in Iskandar Malaysia,” said Nithyan.
Assistant retail supervisor K. Menagah is looking forward to a better transportation network within Iskandar Malaysia.
“We are still far behind when it comes to comprehensive transportation connectivity in Iskandar Malaysia, unlike in the Klang Valley,” she said.
She said the state and federal governments needed to address the matter urgently and deliver results for the benefit of the rakyat.
Outlet retail supervisor Vivien Chua said hundreds of thousands of Malaysians had opted to work in Singapore due to the favourable exchange rate.
“If we want to bring back cross-border locals working in Singapore, we need to create more jobs for them in Johor.”
Chua, whose husband works in Singapore, said Johor and Singapore had been complementing each other economically for years.
Unofficial statistics show that over 300,000 to 400,000 locals cross the Johor Causeway and Second Link Crossing every day for work.
For these commuters, the financial payoff is deemed to be worth the sacrifice of waking up at 4am.
