Editorial

We share the concerns of National Assembly members that traders are in the habit of hoarding basic commodities as the Muslim Holy month of Ramadan approaches, thus creating artificial scarcity, in order to hike prices.

We hope our business community would pay heed to the concerns of the deputies and consider the plight of the people to ensure that prices of basic commodities are within the reach of the common person during Ramadan, particularly at this time that the crop failure is taking its toll on the people.

Those concerned must know that business is basically a fundamental human activity that people engage in to earn their living. It is also a vital means of promoting the economic wellbeing of a nation. Therefore, it is important that those who are engaged in this crucial activity do it with honesty and empathy.

Engendering circumstances that bring about exploitation in any form is not a sound basis for survival. The process of buying and selling should be guided by honesty and trustworthiness so as to prevent the unnecessary greed which often results to the exploitation of the people.

Our business community should therefore realise that they owe society a great debt. Unnecessary price hikes particularly in Ramadan is not in any way inline with the principles of loyalty and honesty and more importantly, our religion and moral values. Besides, business can simply grow when prices of basic necessities are reasonable.

The business community should endeavour to operate within the framework of fair play. The growth potentials of the country are encouraging; there is no need for the people to venture into dubious price hikes.

A slow but progressive business is what is sustainable. We hope the business community will heed to this advice and embrace the culture of honesty and sympathy in business.