After breathing the breath of freedom for 55 years, our motherland has rapidly
developed like mushrooms growing after rain. In connection with that, the
proverb says that, there are hills and there are marshes, but we cannot rest on
our laurels because behind the progress being enjoyed, our country is still
strangled by a more complicated inflation wave. Although this issue is hotly
discussed and often on the lips of society, but has it ever crossed our mind,
what is meant by inflation? Inflation is defined as the situation of rising prices of
goods due to an increase in purchasing power. Therefore, this issue cannot be
taken lightly and a solution formula must be implemented to unravel this
problem, as the proverb says, there is no mountain that cannot be climbed, there
is no cliff that cannot be descended.
Every illness has its effective cure, every problem has an effective solution,
therefore, the government should take the initiative by consistently organizing
thrift campaigns throughout the country and not just coughing on the steps.
Quoting the words of the philosopher Lootze, wastefulness and greed lead humans
to destruction. Therefore, the campaign should emphasize the importance of
thrifty practices so that this pure value can become a practice in Malaysian
society. The more effective action, the public should be called upon to shop
according to their own abilities, like measuring clothes on their own bodies and
not trying to exaggerate. Shopping according to whims will bring bad
consequences as the Malay proverb states, follow your desires, follow your
heart, and follow your feelings you will perish. In addition, the government
should also hold contests that can attract public participation, such as poetry
contests, writing essays, performances by artists, etc. in an effort to spread
the campaign. It is clear that organizing consistent and holistic thrift
campaigns is a powerful shield to unravel the issue of rising commodity prices.
If one door is closed, another door will open to resolve any difficulties that
occur in our country, including the issue of rising prices. However, we still
look and then regret because the solution door is closed too long so we can't
see the other door that has opened. That is the picture of the implications of
the words of Alexander Graham Bell, a Western scientist and mathematician, who
showed that every problem has an effective way to overcome it. As a continuation
of the idea, the action of non-government agencies or NGOs protecting consumer
rights from uncontrolled price increases in the market is a concrete step that
should be taken at all times. Organizations or agencies that support this
government role such as the Malaysian Consumers Association or FOMCA and the
Penang Consumers Association or CAP, have supported the obligation to protect
the rights of consumers. These parties are responsible for receiving any
complaints and investigating any problems faced, including the issue of rising
prices for necessities, the sale of goods that have passed the expiration date,
excessive service charges, and so on. Subsequently, FOMCA and CAP must take
appropriate action to ensure that the rights of consumers are protected and not
easily exploited by cunning and irresponsible traders. These organizations must
establish a relationship of close brotherhood, tied together like betel leaves,
and we also adhere to the philosophy of Confucius, what is the use if we sleep
with different pillows but our dreams are different, it's better if we sleep
with different pillows but our dreams are still the same. The conclusion is that
protecting consumer rights from uncontrolled price increases in the market is an
effective action by non-government agencies or NGOs."
"A Western psychologist once revealed that there is no problem that cannot be
solved, while life without problems is empty. These words are indeed true and
all citizens in this country must be grounded in reality because every problem
we face must have a comprehensive method and approach. Based on this
manifestation, the authorities should always make monitoring and take firm
action against anyone who arbitrarily raises prices without obtaining approval
from the relevant authorities. Relevant government officials should also play an
important role in conducting surprise inspections of business premises from time
to time to ensure that traders comply with the established regulations and do
not act like leeches. Meanwhile, the government should also fulfill their
responsibility to draft, codify, and strengthen laws seriously and transparently
so as to give warnings to traders. Any trader who tries to raise prices or sets
a trap in an emergency must be charged in court.The Aladdin lamp won't light
itself, but Aladdin will rub it first, exactly the phrase "word of Alex Osborn"
has proven that success as sweet as honey won't be generated without hard work,
because the Malay proverb says, if the coconut isn't cracked, how can we get its
water. In fact, the mass media also has the responsibility to disseminate
information related to consumer knowledge as a pre-emptive measure to counter
the problem of rising prices. As we are aware that consumer knowledge among the
Malaysian community is still limited and outdated. Therefore, it is not
surprising if some traders who prioritize profit will act like skimming the
murky water, oppressing innocent consumers. Therefore, the mass media must
contribute its energy optimally by applying knowledge related to consumer rights
to all strata of society. With the commitment of the mass media, consumers will
know the efficient method to claim their rights from being manipulated by
unscrupulous traders. For example, when there is a price increase in goods,
consumers will be able to make complaints to the relevant authorities and
non-government agencies so that their rights can be maintained. Through the
dissemination of information by print and electronic media, consumers, including
housewives, will gain total consumer knowledge and act courageously in fighting
for their rights and overcoming the turmoil of rising prices in the country.
After a long discussion, it is clear that all levels of society must come
together to put a stop to the rising prices of goods at its root. As upright and
moral humans, we should not raise our hands to the sky waiting for the fall of
the magical Aladdin lamp because the Malay proverb says, the round doesn't come
rolling, the flat doesn't come floating. Therefore, all members of the community
must fully support the effort to overcome the issue. |
