New lifestyle in Malaysia

Ever since the fuel hikes on 5th June 2008. It has dramatically changed every Malaysian lifestyle. I guess it is getting worse cause most Malaysia are cutting down 'lifestyle' expenses that they used to spend more. Prolly lesser booze, cheaper clothings (less branded and I mean no Bata brand, maybe Ah Seng brand from China), taking public transport (isn't buying local cars at RM50 grand is pathetic enough? and now public transport and riding scooters?) Geezuz. I really thought when time progresses the lifestyle of the Malaysian citizen should improve but now is the other way round? Is this happening only in Malaysia or it is actually impacting on the countries?

Article copied from Star on 22/6/08.
(Looking on the bright side: Better traffic in KL)
Cardiologist Dr Ramesh Singh Veriah takes just 10 minutes driving from his home in Bangsar to his workplace at University Malaya Medical Centre in Kuala Lumpur. Previously, the 5km journey took some 30 minutes.

Adam, from Pandan Indah, now arrives for work in Jalan Hang Tuah in the city centre 20 minutes early.

Like Ramesh and Adam, many drivers in the Klang Valley, Penang and other parts of the country are seeing less traffic following the June 5 fuel price hike.

> Kuala Lumpur City Hall recorded a drop of almost 12,000 cars entering the city daily a week after the fuel price hike;

> Queues at LRT stations are getting longer and car parks are bursting at the seams;

> A bus company in Putrajaya has recorded a 10% increase in the number of passengers;

> Daily traffic volume on the Penang Bridge has dropped by 7% from the previous daily volume of 67,000 vehicles;

> Sales of motorcycles have increased by up to 25%. Demand is higher than supply now; and

> More women are buying scooters.