Malaysiakini compares the key news and views in major newspapers. What is today's agenda for the English, Bahasa, Tamil and Chinese papers?

Front Page

English newspapers

The Star led with a report on the fallout as a result of the oil price hike, with calls being made by bus and lorry companies for increased charges, among others.

The New Straits Times had a huge photograph of an empty petrol station in Kota Kinabalu splashed on its front page which illustrated the effect of the recent fuel price hike, accompanied with headlines denoting confusion and a sense of helplessness that has ensued.

TheSun headlined Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Shahrir Abdul Samad's answers to questions on the recent increase in fuel prices while giving assurance that increase in prices will be monitored by enforcement officers and offered audit services for any businesses that may be interested to do so.

Bahasa Malaysia newspapers

Utusan Malaysia and Berita Harian both highlighted the recent fuel price hike's effect on the man on the street.

Utusan Malaysia also led with the fact that Petronas' costs have gone up by 200 percent over the past three years. Another report informed that inflation was expected to exceed five percent this month.

Chinese newspapers

Sin Chew Daily highlighted the RM11.2 increase in electricity bill for consumers who use 201 to 400 kWh (kilowatt units per hour) per month.

Nanyang Siang Pau headlined the announcement that eligible car owners can collect their fuel subsidy beginning next month at post offices throughout the country.

China Press and Oriental Daily News highlighted the drastic plunge in share market yesterday, and the inflations that followed the fuel hike.

Tamil newspapers

Malaysia Nanban and Tamil Nesan led with the assassination of an Indian woman along the Kajang-Putrajaya highway last night.

Malaysia Nanban also reported the Indian and Muslim Restaurant Owners' Associations as saying that a price hike was now inevitable following the fuel hike announced on Wednesday.

Editorial

The New Straits Times pointed out on how the government has sheltered Malaysians all this while and concluded that the people should not expect the government to pamper them forever.

Berita Harian discussed the Malaysian citizen's readiness to adapt to a lifestyle change in light of the newly implemented fuel subsidy scheme with a reminder to the government to keep in mind the effect that the changes will have on those from the rural areas.

Nanyang Siang Pau reminded all Malaysians to change their lifestyle in order to cut back on fuel consumption.

China Press urged Malaysians to cultivate the habit of saving fuel when they drive.

Sin Chew Daily wanted government and Malaysians to work together in facing the high fuel crisis.

Makkal Osai commented on Barack Obama winning the Democratic party nomination for the presidential election.

Malaysia Nanban urged Malaysians to change their lifestyle following the increase in fuel prices.

Tamil Nesan said that public transportation should now be the choice of travel for Malaysians.