CHEAPER roti canai and nasi kandar is no big deal. In fact, these foods should not be highlighted or promoted as they are high in fatty acids,
cholesterol and calories and, thus, considered unhealthy.

Increased cases of high blood pressure, diabetes, strokes, and heart and kidney diseases among Malaysians can largely be attributed to eating such food. Just like burgers, fries and other fast food are considered junk food, we should not care too much or feel grateful when the price is reduced. What we need is lower prices for basic food items like flour, grains, fish, chicken, vegetables and fruits as well as agricultural inputs like fertilisers, animal feed, farm equipment and supplies. Today, the prices of fertilisers, animal feed ingredients and other farm supplies have doubled or tripled since last year. For example: urea has increased from RM60 to RM155. The prices remain high even though the price of crude oil has dropped lately. This is the problem facing Malaysian farmers, especially the small- and medium-size groups, who make up the majority of those involved in agriculture. If a subsidy system is the best solution, subsidise agri - cultural inputs, not the produce or the end product.

M.S. IDRIS, Kluang

Source: NST – November 13, 2008