I'm called upon to write this letter after observing the issues that have been surfacing since Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi took over the helm of our country.

There has been an upsurge in consumer issues all of which that need our dire attention since we are all, first and foremost, consumers.

First, there was the increase in petrol prices effective Oct1, 2004 from RM1.38 to RM1.42 per litre. At that particular time the Consumer Price Index was between 1.4% to 1.7%.

Then it was water privatisation , currently from Puas to Syabas, an entity under Puncak Niaga Holdings Bhd (PNHB). Despite calls from NGOs such as Group of Concerned Citizens to emulate Penang's water management exercise, a new bill will soon be passed by Parliament allowing the privatisation.

Interestingly enough, our prime minister was not able to assure us of whether the government would be able to prevent a raise in water tariffs in the near future.

Even Plus has increased their toll rates to 13.6 sen per kilometer. According to their agreement with the government, they are allowed to impose a 10 percent raise every three years until 2030. Official protests came from the Federation of Malaysian Consumers Association (Fomca) which launched a 1,000 000 signature campaign whereas the DAP formed the Coalition Against Unfair Toll Increase (Cauti).

Certain health services will also be privatised soon according to its minister Dr Chua Soi Lek while Tenaga Nasional has indicated its willingness to also raise its power tariffs though it can't guarantee there won't be any more blackouts.

And now, Pos Malaysia, on the pretext of automation, has increased its mail charges from between 5 to 25 sen.

What we Malaysians need is actually proper management of services, not wanton privatisation and price increases. At this juncture, I am also wondering why the most affected group the consumers are silent.

Such a scenario is unheard of in countries such as the US. People there take the initiative to write letters and appeals to their senators and representatives to look into issues of their concern. They also actively put concerted efforts through unions and other relevant organisations. I have yet to see this positive trend taking place.

Consumers must take the first step by at least collaborating actively with Fomca and the National Consumers Complaints Centre. They should also lobby their state and parliamentary representatives as they represent us, the consumers.