Michael Aw

Michael Aw

REFSA Notes #7/2022: Deconstructing Economic Indicators: Inflation

For the last few months, inflation has been the talk of the town. Consumers have been complaining about rising prices, especially of food and groceries. Yet official statistics suggest that Malaysia's annual inflation rate remains under control at 2.8%. So why is there a mismatch between the perceived rise in the cost of living and the official rate of inflation? To answer this question, we must first identify the causes of inflation and critically review how we measure inflation.

Let Them Eat Chicken (… But Not At Reduced Prices)

Prime Minister Dato Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob has said that the reduced chicken subsidy was to enable the money to be chanelled directly as cash aid to Malaysians, since previously the reduced price was benefitting not just Malaysians, but also foreign workers and refugees. First, we discuss whether 'Malaysian-only' policies might end up pushing away foreign workers, and whether Malaysia can survive without them. Next, we get into the kind of aid foreign workers have access to, and what needs to be done here.

With No More Ceiling Prices, Will Costs Hit The Roof?

The government's plan to remove ceiling prices and subsidies for chicken, eggs and bottled palm cooking oil will take effect on the 1st of July. It's a move that has ignited fears around the rising cost of living- we discuss its impact and who will be feeling the brunt of this policy reversal. Then, we dive into what's needed to to create an effective system that better identifies people in need of government assistance.

3 fokus utama pembukaan DUN Johor

SIDANG pertama Dewan Negeri (DUN) Johor bagi penggal ke-15 bermula hari ini dan ia akan menjadi tumpuan penting buat Bangsa Johor bagi melihat kemampuan kerajaan negeri di bawah Menteri Besar baharu, Onn Hafiz Ghazi mengemudi hala tuju negeri.
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