Now and then, we are emotionally and psychologically affected by the global economic vulnerability. The economists give varied terminologies for various economic circumstances.

The following are the common ones ie, economic slowdown, economic recession, economic crisis, economic turmoil, economic meltdown etc. For the ordinary layman, no matter which of the terms, it is a bad news and it means he and his family have to face a tough time.

In some of those economic circumstances mentioned above, the cost of goods and services and in reality, the cost of most of the essential goods and services keep going up and up. Only some goods do not have a change in price.

As a matter of fact, I am yet to come across a situation where the price of any essential good has actually gone down. The essential goods and service providers normally have the attitude of leeches who suck precious money out of the consumers.

They don't seem to have any sympathy or concern for the many who have undergone pay cuts and the many who have been retrenched. The attitude of these essential goods and service providers during difficult times is that they tend to be more greedy and cunning.

The vultures amongst them all are the many of the food outlet operators. During difficult times, many of them not only increase the prices of their food but at the same time reduce the quantity and quality of their food.

If the authorities decide to reduce price of certain essential or even non-essential goods, these people seem to create an artificial shortage by hoarding the said product so that the price remains the same or increases.

I am sorry to say that all the above weaknesses and defects are due to the languid attitude of the consumers themselves. I also have a feeling that the consumers have given up hope on the possibility of them getting fair and swift justice.

I have an idea, which crossed my mind while writing this letter. Why not the consumer associations give their strong endorsement with a ‘recommendation logo' to be exhibited by all traders in essential goods and service who sell their goods at value for money.

The consumer associations concerned should give adequate publicity to these essential goods and service providers. I strongly recommend this for grocery shops, mini-markets, food outlets, pharmacies and other SMEs.