‘Prices of goods in rural areas still too expensive in Sabah, Sarawak’

KUALA LUMPUR: More comprehensive monitoring is needed to ensure the effectiveness of the Essential Goods Price Standardisation Programme for Sabah and Sarawak.

Ago Anak Dagang (BN-Kanowit) said although the programme had started several years ago, the prices of goods, especially in remote and rural areas in the two states, were still considered more expensive than in the urban areas.

“Among the main reasons why essential goods are sold at higher prices in the interiors is the transportation cost.

“Through the current system, the goods are delivered through a third party.

“However, prices of the goods is still more expensive. This system does not work.

“As such the domestic trade, cooperatives and consumerism ministry should review the matter,” he said when debating the motion of thanks on the Yang di-Pertuan Agong’s speech in the Dewan Rakyat today.

Ago also suggested that subsidies be channelled direct to the people, just like the 1Malaysia People’s Aid (BR1M), to reduce the dependence on the third party. He expected this to address the problem.

Prime Minister Najib Razak, when tabling the 2018 Budget in Parliament last year, had announced that the government would continue the Essential Goods Price Standardisation Programme in Sabah and Sarawak, with a total allocation of RM80 million.

The sitting continues tomorrow. -FMT