KUALA LUMPUR, 31 May 2025 – A wave of growing frustration, anger, and exhaustion is sweeping across the working class, especially among the marginalised rakyat who are increasingly burdened by worsening economic pressure. The spike in living costs, sudden digitalisation without guidance, and tax pressure on small traders have triggered a bold and heartfelt statement from activist and Chief Editor of Ottrangknews, Dato’ G Kumaar Aamaann.
In a strong and uncompromising address, he described the current situation as a “crisis of public trust in the direction of national policy,” which, in his view, is moving further away from the heartbeat of ordinary citizens.
> “The rakyat are not rejecting progress. But they have been thrown into the sea of digitalisation without a rope, without a lifeline, and told to swim. This is cruel,” asserted Dato’ G Kumaar Aamaann.
He highlighted the implementation of systems like e-Invoicing on small traders earning below RM200,000 annually as a form of systemic pressure, with no regard for their technical capabilities or infrastructure.
> “Small traders have no systems, no Wi-Fi, no IT staff. They are not tax machines – they are the lifeline of our grassroots economy,” he said.
As the Chief Editor of Ottrangknews, Dato’ G Kumaar Aamaann revealed that numerous complaints have been received from street vendors, single mothers, and night market traders who now live in anxiety and fear due to these abrupt and exclusive policy changes.
> “Digitalisation without compassion is modern oppression. We cannot force humble stall owners to submit to systems even large companies struggle to manage,” he continued.
Dato’ G Kumaar Aamaann urged the government to immediately take the following steps:
Exempt low-income traders from mandatory e-Invoicing
Provide free technical training in every district and village
Offer subsidies for digital tools and internet access
Establish a transparent and functional grievance platform for the people
> “If the government wants the people to ride the wave of digitalisation, then the government must become the oars – not the stones that sink them,” he said with firm resolve.
He ended his address with a powerful call:
> “The rakyat are not a burden. They are the heartbeat of this nation’s economy. Do not crush their spirit. Build Malaysia with them – not on top of their suffering.”