Cover image via Eating AsiaMalaysians are spending 31.2% of their disposable income on food and food away from home, according to Finance Minister II Johari Abdul Ghani
**He added that 23.9% is spent on petrol, housing and utilities, while an additional 14.6% is spent on transport.**
He also pointed out that cars, handphones, computers and Internet access have also become a necessity due to the change in lifestyle.
Johari revealed this in his opening remarks at the 2017 Budget Focus Group Meeting: "Cost of Living" yesterday, 1 August.
Image via Eating Asia
Johari has acknowledged that there are certain classes in the society that are struggling with the rising cost of living
Image via Malay Mail Online
The focus group discussion, that is in preparation for the federal budget next year, identified two key aspects that need to be examined closely to address the rising cost of living
Johari reportedly said the two components involve prices of essential goods and services as well as income.
**"Being people-centric, the government is committed to addressing this issue in a holistic manner to enhance the well-being of the rakyat,"** he was quoted as saying by [NST Online](http://www.nst.com.my/news/2016/08/162187/malaysians-spend-312-pct-income-food-23-pct-petrol?d=1), yesterday, 1 August.
Image via Free Malaysia Today
The Titiwangsa MP also said that the government has undertaken several initiatives in the recent years to enhance the well-being of the rakyat
He cited the 1Malaysia People's Aid (BR1M) cash assistance, schooling assistance, book vouchers, housing assistance and subsidies on essential items, as some of the measures undertaken by the government to help ease the financial burden of the rakyat.
**In addition, low-income families have continued to receive support through various welfare programmes, while the middle-income group have benefitted from a reduced income tax regime and higher tax reliefs.**
It was reported that the Finance Ministry had organised its first focus meeting on the cost of living by engaging with various stakeholders including the private sector, non-governmental organisations and government agencies.
The Finance Ministry will continue to organise a series of focus group meetings ahead of the 2017 Budget, which is scheduled to be tabled on Oct 21, 2016.
Image via Malaysian Digest
