PUTRAJAYA: The Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry (KPDN) and the Ministry of Economy are refining several quick wins to tackle the cost-of-living issue.
Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Seri Salahuddin Ayub and Minister of Economy Rafizi Ramli said in a joint statement today that it will include a cross-ministry cooperation action plan.
"KPDN and the Ministry of Economy have agreed to create a joint secretariat that will be the platform at the official level to discuss the roles of various agencies in tackling the cost-of-living issue.
"Several procedures to implement policies are being updated and are expected to be implemented at the end of January next year," the statement read.
They also reiterated that the government remained committed to help Malaysians tackle the issue, but there was a need to ensure that every step taken would not affect the business and industrial ecosystem that are still recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Efforts to control inflation and rising costs of living needed the cooperation of all parties concerned in the value chain, including the government, manufacturers, businesses and consumers as this issue not only relates to low prices, but also fair prices to manufacturers, businesses and consumers, the ministers said.
"The government hopes that such efforts will help cost management and ensure savings to consumers and reduce the costs of living for Malaysians," they added.
The public is also advised to strengthen their role as smart consumers by focusing on four steps, including planning expenses and adjusting inclinations, especially towards alternative products to items that have increased in price, making price comparisons using the Price Catcher app, and buying in quantities needed and not succumbing to panic buying.
The government has already taken several long-term and short-term measures to tackle the cost of living issue, including maintaining the electric tariff for domestic, commercial and industrial consumers, as well as price controls and subsidies for standard chicken and Grade A, B and C eggs for a certain set period.
Also, the government has decided to import eggs until supply by local producers is restored, while Padiberas Nasional Berhad (BERNAS) would channel RM60 million in allocations to farmers, RM10 million for 2022 and RM50 million for 2023.
In addition, the government is refining the implementation of '2 Stage Pricing' for raw palm oil to ensure that bottled cooking oil in domestic markets is sold at a lower price to reduce the pressure on demand and use of subsidised one-kilogramme cooking oil polybags.
-- BERNAMA
Bernama
Tue Dec 27 2022
Salahuddin Ayub and Rafizi Ramli said in a joint statement today that the government remained committed to help Malaysians tackle the issue, but there was a need to ensure that every step taken would not affect the business and industrial ecosystem.
Who is Prabowo Subianto, incoming president of Indonesia?
A wealthy ex-general with ties to Indonesia's popular outgoing president and its dictatorial past, looks set to be its next leader.
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.