Malaysia’s Community Communications Department (J-KOM) infographic, titled ‘Is it true that groceries have gone up from RM200 to RM500 a month?’ – released earlier this week – got tongues wagging.
The infographic claimed that a family of four could survive on only RM99.45 a week, while a single person only needed RM58.65.
Not a single person I spoke to said the infographic was realistic.
According to J-KOM, the “essential items” for a family of four per month are 120 eggs, eight jumbo loaves of bread, 20kg of white rice, eight chickens (2kg each), 8kg of cooking oil, and one 12kg gas tank.
For a single person, it’s 120 eggs, four loaves of ‘normal-sized’ bread, 10kg of white rice, four chickens (2kg each), 4kg of cooking oil, and a 12kg gas tank.
So, a single person is supposed to eat the same number of eggs as a family of four – 120.
That works out to four eggs a day for a single person, and only one per day for a family of four.
The infographic also expects a single person to eat 10kg of rice, while a family of four eats 20kg, or only 5kg, per person.
Being single also means that you eat 8kg of chicken, while a family of four shares 16kg, or only 4kg of meat, each.
J-KOM director-general, Datuk Dr Mohammad Agus Yusoff, claimed that the weekly RM99.45, or RM397.90 monthly expenditure, was only for “essential items”.
If that were the case, where are the vegetables and fruits? Aren’t those “essential items”?
Also missing is milk – which is “essential” for growing children.
Whoever worked on the infographic clearly has never done grocery shopping. The initial posting featured a “10kg gas tank”.
Go to any shop. You will see that the tanks are 12kg and 14kg.
While the infographic was to counter the narrative that the cost of groceries had gone through the roof, it backfired as its calculation of RM397.90 did not include BASIC items, such as seasoning, flour, sugar, condiments, sauces, spices, fish, and other meats.
I have not even included tea, coffee, Milo, or drinks of its ilk. Water is good enough.
Agus said he stood by the data, as “that is the cost of buying essential items”.
Surely, many would like to see him survive on fried chicken, eggs, bread, and rice for just one month.
But perhaps we’ll have to wait as the posting has since been removed by JKOM.
ASTRO PARTNERS WITH W-SPORT
In case you did not know, W-Sport is available via Astro from today on Channel 815.
W-Sport comes free with the Sports Pack and showcases the best of women’s sports leagues and events.
W-Sport’s content line-up includes live and delayed premium event coverage, magazine programming, and documentaries.
RED SOIL OF KABUL
Parastoo Theater presents its latest play, ‘Red Soil of Kabul’, written and directed by Saleh Sepa.
‘Red Soil of Kabul’ narrates the beginning of a disaster that led to a crisis for millions of people. Based on real-life events and experiences.
The play is a unique theatrical experience that tackles the topics of human rights, child protection, education, migration, and refugee issues.
The production is from Aug 11-13 at the Damansara Performing Arts Centre, and stars refugees living in Malaysia.
THE CONCERT OF THE CHAMPIONS – LONG LIVE THE QUEEN
Queen tribute band, Break Free, will perform for four nights at the Zepp Kuala Lumpur from Sept 20-23.
Described as the best in Europe and the closest you’ll ever get to Freddie Mercury and the rest of the band, Break Free is coming straight from Italy after a triumphant European tour.
Get your tickets here.
CLUBROCK PERLIS PUTS MALAYSIA ON THE WORLD ADVENTURE TOURISM MAP
The northern Malaysian state of Perlis, a captivating destination with limestone cliffs, caves, and limestone monoliths, is now home to ClubRock Perlis, the country’s first-ever rock climbing base camp and eco-adventure hub.
The camp spans over 23,000sq ft and offers 35 rooms and five premium camps for up to 160 guests.
ClubRock Perlis aims to put the state on the map of the rock climbing world and foster an appreciation for nature among children of all ages.
The camp also introduces an exclusive Adventure Package, including Gua Kelam Caving, rock climbing sessions, and nature walks.
VEGGIE-LOADED CAULI-MASH SHEPHERD’S PIE
This version calls for lots of flavourful veggies in the meat (use whatever veggies you have in your house, it will come out great). Then, spoon a creamy mashed cauliflower on top!
THE FOOL ON THE HILL
The Beatles end this week’s Diary with ‘The Fool on the Hill’ from the 1967 EP and album ‘Magical Mystery Tour’.
Paul McCartney, who wrote the song, said the ‘fool’ is a character perceived as foolish by others, but is wise.
Until next week, stay safe.
