Do away with APs for all imports, says DAP MP

 

Approved permits for all imports, including motor vehicles, should be abolished, says Kepong MP Lim Lip Eng.

PETALING JAYA: A DAP MP has called on Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob to “be brave” and abolish approved permits (AP) for all imported goods, including motor vehicles.

Stating that the removal of APs for imported food would address escalating prices, Kepong MP Lim Lip Eng questioned why the government decided to only abolish APs for one sector.

“Why only abolish APs for food? The government should get rid of all APs, especially for motor vehicles, as this will also reduce red tape, which leads to corruption and an increase in the cost of imported goods,” said Lim in a statement.

“AP holders have been enjoying their special privileges for far too long. Instead of benefiting the people, the policy only benefits and enriches certain well-connected individuals at the expense of consumers.”

Lim said competition in the open market will help to drive down the cost of imported goods, and local entrepreneurs will also be in a better position to develop their global competitiveness and become key players in the international market.

The chairman of DAP’s national public complaints bureau also urged the government to provide local food manufacturers with incentives to upgrade their technology and production facilities.

Yesterday, Ismail announced the doing away of APs to import food, stating that the decision was made at a Cabinet meeting earlier to ensure sufficient food supply.

Apart from some vegetables, meat and nine different types of seafood, APs were required to import mangoes, coconuts and papayas previously. - FMT