The Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations (Fomca) today urged consumers to face reality and play their part in facing the challenges of the increased cost of living, by mobilising and exercising their “purchasing power”.

“Consumers should not under-rate their own inherent powers, as they can either make or break traders and the business community,” its deputy president Mohd Yusof Abdul Rahman said.

He said that consumers who were also workers, could unite under their respective unions and organise bulk buying, so as to get discounted rates and keep prices on an even keel.

He agreed with the National Union of Bank Employees (NUBE) that workers should exercise thrift in facing the present situation.

In a recent statement, NUBE had also proposed carpooling to cut down on transport costs and minimise leisure travel, as another way of stretching the ringgit.

He felt that consumers should not depend entirely on government handouts or employers’ generosity to face their daily woes.

Yusof said Fomca was willing to work not only with workers' organisations but also other community-based entities to help ease the cost of living.

- Bernama