The Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Idris Jala alerted the public two days ago that the Malaysian government will look into the gradual removal of subsidy for various commodities (of course this includes the petrol). I am no an economist, but my immediate instict is to tell me that the life in front of us is getting tough. I will view this coming event in the perspectives of philately.
Cutting/removing subsidies meaning the commodities will become more expensive. This in turn will of course translate into higher living cost - cosumers have to pay higher price for transport, food and almost everything. Stamp collectors are no spare of the chain effect as the increase is on daily spending. There will be some collectors (poor ones) have to stop collecting because they don't have anymore extra money for stamps. There will be also some collectors (not too poor ones) will have to reduce the amount of spending on stamps. Of course, they will be rich collectors whom they won't be much affected by this coming event. On the other hand, the stamp dealers will also not be spared if their main customers are of local. Pos Malaysia may have to reduce the printing quantity of each issue and may also have to look into the number of issues per year...... the philately in Malaysia is going to be tough, really tough.......
