Current wage policies are outdated and unable to assist citizens in coping with the rising cost of living, said President Truong Tan Sang in a meeting yesterday with voters in HCM City\'s District 3 and 4.

President Truong Tan Sang (left) meets with the public in HCM City\'s District 4 yesterday. — VNA/VNS Photo Thanh Vu

Members of the public at the meeting told Sang that State workers could not live on their salaries, especially teachers, and that retirement benefits and allowances for local government workers were inadequate.

Dang Van An, a resident of Ward 5 in District 4, suggested that salary and allowance policies be adjusted to ease the imbalance among State-owned enterprises.

Sang admitted that, amid inflation and economic troubles, salaries were among hot-button issues. He said the Government aimed to curb inflation to 17-18 per cent this year and to a single-digit level in 2012.

Along with reducing inflation, Sang said the Government would focus on revamping current salary policies to take into account the rising cost of living, as well as increasing benefits to retirees and veterans.

Voters also raised concerns over traffic congestion, the educational system, anti-corruption efforts, climate change, and border protection.

They complained of the epidemic of street races and called for stricter punishments for those who violate traffic law and pose dangers to the community.

The Government was also urged to take a leading role in tackling corruption and co-ordinating relevant agencies in the fight against corruption. The voters also hoped that the National Assembly would increase its oversight at all governmental levels to better respond to public concerns.

Sang said the Government considered tackling corruption a top priority and would push to intensify the fight against corruption.