A concerned leader from Malekula has called on all seven members of Vanuatu's parliament for Malekula to look into the declining living standards of their local people.
The Daily Post reports that Niptik Markson Tuptik made this call because he says people on his island, especially in North West Malekula, are struggling for the basics of life.
Mr Tuptik claims some locals cannot even afford to buy little things like a matchbox, sugar and other important necessities.
He also made a direct appeal to the Deputy Prime Minister Sato Kilman to visit the people of Malekula and report on the situation.
The majority of Malekulans depend on copra and cocoa for their income, however with the price of both down, locals are suffering.
Mr Tuptik says it is sad to see people who are rich in resources living in such poverty and says the government should take responsibility for developing the untapped resources of the region.
