Fomca president Marimuthu Nadason said that with many Malaysians forced to work remotely, and in spite of the current hardships faced by the people, some utility companies are trying to increase their rates instead.

“Some water and sewerage utilities are looking at increasing their tariffs. If they succeed, it will come at the cost of the B40 and M40 groups’ purchasing power,” he said in a statement today.

Given that the end of the Covid-19 pandemic is nowhere in sight, Marimuthu said it was the least the government could do.

“Many workers have lost their jobs after the second MCO this year, while those still employed have had their income slashed.

“They all have to meet their financial obligations, one way or another,” he said.

Marimuthu said the government should help reduce the financial burden of the people by controlling the rise in the cost of essential food items, insurance and mortgage interests.

“The government should also reduce interest rates for government loans to nudge the rakyat into spending, which will eventually boost the economy,” he said.

Marimuthu also took aim at insurance companies which he said have not considered the predicament of their policyholders during this pandemic.

“Notices are being sent to policyholders as they struggle to make ends meet. So, we hope the government looks into this matter as well,” he said.

Urging the government to regulate these increasing costs, he added that it was high time for the government to revise mortgage interests and hire purchases as well.

“We know this is possible because we have seen many banks announcing huge net profits for the financial year 2020.”

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