Let's ease burden to celebrate Syawal - PM

Najib said the government had taken various initiatives such as expediting the handing over of the 1Malaysia People's Aid (BR1M) and provide special Hari Raya aid to civil servants, government pensioners, small farmers and settlers.

However, he said efforts to ease their burden due to added costs during the festive season did not rest on the shoulders of the government alone.

"Shops and traders, in addition to offering cheap sales, must ensure that the goods sold are at reasonable prices, especially groceries and food listed under the price control list," he said in his latest posting on the website www.najibrazak.com today.

The prime minister also adivsed Malaysians to spend prudently in preparing for Syawal.

"What is more important and meaningful to celebrate Aidilfitri is not in wearing new clothes but in having a bond of friendship and togetherness among us.

"Hopefully the coming Syawal will further strengthen the ties between all of us, God willing," he said.