Desmond Choo on cost of living crisis

The world is facing inflation and some societies have it worse than others, said MP Desmond Choo. “We are glad that our policies as a whole are working. There is already light at the end of the tunnel,” he said in Parliament on Tuesday (Nov 7). He pointed out that inflation and the elevated cost of living are very important issues for the labour movement. “This is a core concern that we have monitored closely over the years. The effects are felt by all - workers, consumers and businesses,” he said. Mr Choo stressed that the labour movement stands ready to support workers in tackling the cost of living issue. Enterprises such as NTUC FairPrice have a role to play by supplying an extensive range of household brands which are cheaper, while Kopitiam outlets provide affordable meals for residents. The labour movement’s charity and philanthropic arms provide support for low-income families and individuals. “NTUC certainly does not sit idly by but leans in to care for our workers and residents,” he said. On other fronts, the five Community Development Councils are helping residents cope by providing vouchers and assistance schemes while NTUC’s e2i is helping Singaporeans to secure jobs, said Mr Choo.