Malaysia Current Situation..

No more fuel price hike this year, govt to pay out salary twice a month..

Last Wednesday (4th June 2008), the Malaysia's government announced an increase in the fuel prices which effective on Thursday (5th June 2008)..

The price of petrol increased by 78 sen or 41 %,
from RM1.92 to RM2.70 per litre..

An increase of RM1 or 63 % in the price of diesel,
from RM1.58 to RM2.58 per litre..

However at today (Wednesday, 11th June 2008), Malaysia's Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi announced that such increase in the prices of fuel will not be raised any more this year so as to ease the burden on the people..

He also announced that from August onwards, The salary for the staff working with the government and civil servants will be paid twice per month, instead of once to facilitate management of expenses and cash flow of households following the increase in fuel prices..

The first half of the salary will be paid on the middle of the month and the other half at the end of the month.. As for the statutory deduction will still be done once per month, which is on the 2nd cycle of payment (end of month)..

My not-so-intellectual comment:

I have a mixed reaction on the new policies.. The price will remain unchange this year.. In the consumer point of view, it is a favourable action.. The residents as a whole would not be happy with sudden changes in the price of fuel.. They need time to re-adjust their lifestyle..

But i must not agree with the idea of the Malaysia's government to pay out salary twice per month.. The reason for this is that somehow it contradicts with its objective.. Many would not be able to meet up with their day-to-day expenses..

Am very thankful to Allah that am in Brunei.. Am very thankful to the Brunei's government for the B$202M fuel subsidy.. I don't know how I'd repay that generosity.. Thanks!!