Hundreds of people protested Thursday against a massive 40 per cent hike in the price of gasoline in Malaysia, according to DPA. The protestors, including opposition members, non-governmental organizations and unions, demanded a review of the price increase which took effect Thursday. "The 40 per cent increase will definitely bring hardship to the people as the price of goods will go up," said lawmaker M Kulasegaran. The demonstrators dispersed peacefully after about a half hour. Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi announced Wednesday that the price of petrol would be raised to 2.70 ringgit (0.87 US dollar) per litre from 1.92 ringgit (0.61 dollar). Diesel prices rose by 1 ringgit to 2.50 ringgit per litre, a 67 per cent increase.
