What To Expect in 2010

The new year 2010 has started.

What do we expect of 2010? Here are some of them:

Sugar Price Increase
The sugar price increase is inevitable due to the rise in the price of raw commodity on the world market. Well, we just wonder whether there is any chain reaction in that the price of other goods will be increased accordingly. Does it mean the consumption of sugar will be reduced with the increase in the price? If that is so, it may be a blessing in disguise as sugar intake should be reduced for health reasons.

Service Tax for credit and charge cards imposed on basic and supplementary
With the imposition of the service tax, it would be prudent to cancel the additional cards. A individual should be a holder of two cards only, one Visa and one Mastercard. Does it really control the spending? We really doubt as it will depend on an individual's lifestyle. Gone are the days when we flash our cards to indicate our status in life. These days, the more cards holding means the more indebted a person is.

Cigarette price capped
It may means no longer cheap pack of cigarette as the price is capped at RM6.40 per pack of 20. Does this move helps to curb smoking? Smokers will still go for it despite the price cap. Smokers are just addicted and it would be hard to kick the habit.

Malaysia Day declared a National Holiday
It is good in the sense that we recognize the day as a National Holiday. Yes September 16 is a national holiday.

GST Bill debate
GST Bill will be debated in Parliament. If passed, a 4% rate will be imposed on all purchases except for essential items. Does it burden the public as we have to pay the GST of 4% for all purchases? The pros and cons are to be reviewed and evaluated carefully before the implementation of GST Bill.

These are really school of thought.