Business community optimistic about unity government’s progress

Yeap: We have yet to see policies in favour of tour guides.

WHILE the unity government will need at least six months to deliver its promises, it still needs to take more urgent action to address the issue of goods prices, says Penang Petty Traders’ Association president Ooi Thean Huat.

“The new government is taking over a lot of mess from the previous government. It needs at least six months to deliver,” Ooi tells Sin Chew Daily.

“On the whole, ringgit has appreciated and business is coming back.

“However, the increase in cost of living is the key issue faced by people now and I have yet to see the new government implement effective measures to control prices of goods.

“I am of the view that the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry is too slow in taking action. It should be proactive to monitor prices and adopt strict enforcement to stop retailers from hiking up prices.”

Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers (FMM) Penang branch chairman

Lee: Many new policies need time to implement.

Datuk Lee Teong Li also believes that the unity government needs more time to carry out its new policies and programmes.

“If I am asked to rate the new government, I will give a score of 65. Many new policies need time to implement.

“On the whole, the new government is serious in its effort to control prices of goods and committed to tackle issues related to the economy. If ringgit continues to be stable, this will help to revitalise the economy,” he says.

Lee tells Sin Chew Daily that he and the FMM members are glad to see that the new government is engaging in dialogues to listening to various industry players.

“We hope that in future, the government continue to enhance interactions with the industries and accept constructive input from the industry players. In a practical way, this will help to lead the country to a better tomorrow.”

Malaysian Women Tourist Guide Association secretary Yeap Li Boon feels that the unity government has been very efficient in its first 100 days.

“The series of measures to carry out reform and wiping out corruption as proposed by the Prime Minister see a more efficient government department.

“The same for civil servant’s attitude. We receive prompt reply for complaints lodged with the Tourism Ministry. The ministry is more flexible in handling matters now,” she says.

Yeap, nevertheless, thinks there is still room to improve the ministry’s online system.

She also hopes to see more policies to help tour guides bounce back as the tourism industry rebuilds after the Covid-19 pandemic.

“We have yet to see policies in favour of tour guides.

“For one, we hope that the new government will enhance enforcement against illegal tour guides and upgrade the quality of tour guide to rectify the negative perception that tourists have on tour guides,” she says. – Sin Chew Daily/Media in Arms