Social activist urges Putrajaya to ensure reforms ease people’s burden

KUCHING (Dec 10):The federal government must ensure that its economic and administrative reforms truly ease the burden on ordinary Malaysians instead of adding to their difficulties, said social activist Voon Shiak Ni.

She said that while the administration frequently highlights its Madani principles, the everyday reality for small businesses, micro-entrepreneurs and low-income households suggests otherwise.

According to her, the expanded service tax and the rushed rollout of e-invoicing had placed undue pressure on small operators, increased compliance costs and contributed to higher living expenses.

“Small businesses are the backbone of Malaysia’s economy. If reforms are truly meant to help the rakyat, then the government must review and scale down the service tax to avoid overburdening small traders. This measure will also help to make goods and services cheaper for the people as a whole,” she said in a statement on Wednesday.

Voon added that any tax or economic policy must prioritise protecting the people, especially those grappling with rising prices.

She also questioned the government’s handling of major decisions such as the minimum wage increase, which she said was often announced without adequate engagement with employers, particularly those running small businesses.

“Of course higher wages benefit employees, but the government must also study the consequences. Some employers simply cannot afford the increase and that may lead to job losses,” she said.

Voon said the implementation of e-invoicing had caused confusion and stress among small shopkeepers and hawkers, many of whom struggled with computerised systems and the additional costs of software, staff training and equipment.

She further described the requirement for stamping employment contracts as an unnecessary hurdle for small businesses, noting that the Industrial Court already recognises properly signed agreements without such procedures.

“In short , the government of the day is too strict and people are suffocating . The people have given their mandate for the government of the day and they are hopeful for reforms that make life easier, not harder. It is the federal government’s responsibility to listen, act, and correct course,” she said.