THE reduction of the price of roti canai, teh tarik and nasi kandar is a trivial matter. It should not be considered a success for the domestic trade and consumer affairs minister.

What he should do is negotiate with traders who control consumer goods and other essential goods. All these goods and commodities have increased in price and continue to remain very high.

The price of cement in Kelantan was once RM10.50 per bag. Because of rising oil prices, the price went up to RM22.

Today, despite the substantial drop in oil price, the cement price is still RM18.

It shows that the minister can only negotiate with petty traders who set up their businesses by the roadside.

He should begin price negotiations with the top merchants, because they control many of the essential goods required by the small traders.

Once the big traders reduce their prices, the small traders will automatically cut theirs.

ABDULLAH SANI ISMAIL, Tanah Merah, Kelantan

Source: NST – November 20, 2008