Pulai MP and Public Accounts Committee chairperson Nur Jazlan Mohamed says the BN risks losing much more heavily in the city and its outskirts in the 14th general election if the government fails to address the hikes in prices of goods and services.

NONE Commenting on the expected rise in the costs of goods and services, the Pulai MP is quoted as saying by Malay daily Sinar Harian that the people are anrgy with the price hikes and that they will not vote for the present government again.

“In the 13th general election, we already lost in the city and in the next general election we will lose heavily in the city and its outskirts if the issue is not addressed,” Nur Jazlan said, adding that some of the expected price hikes could be delayed further.

The government, he said, should decide in the country’s best interests.

Nur Jazlan said when it delayed (in raising tolls), the country is now faced with the prospect of implementing a higher increase in tolls.

The government has recently announced a planned hike in electricity tariffs and this is to be followed by an imminent rise in toll charges by several highway concessionaires.

Even another BN lawmaker in Kepala Batas. Reezal Merican Naina Merican, has reminded the BN of its election manifesto pledge to reduce toll charges.

Nur Jazlan further said the decision is left to the government whether to defer the hikes further or proceed with them.

“If it is deferred further, the people have to face the prospect of facing rising costs, as the costs are expected to escalate more,” he said.

Kota Tinggi MP Noor Ehsanuddin Mohd Harun said the people are angry as no adequate explanation has been given by the related agencies.

He said increases in toll and electricity charges have taken place before and are nothing new.

“The agencies involved should help explain and engage with the public from the start,” Noor Ehsanuddin said.

Prior to the announced hike in the electricity tariff, the country has also seen a hike in sugar and petrol prices this year when the government reduced or withdrew the subsidies.