Opposition lying over govt not caring about goods’ price hike - PM

The opposition has wrongfully accused the government of not caring about the increase in the price of goods which has become a burden to the rakyat, said the prime minister.

Ismail Sabri Yaakob pointed to a demonstration held by Amanah at Masjid Jamek Kampung Baru last Friday, which he said had failed to receive a warm response from the people.

The rising price of goods is a global phenomenon, he said, which the government has addressed with steps to ensure prices of items do not spike.

“The biggest issue today is the cost of living. Last week at the Masjid Jamek Kampung Baru, an opposition party held a demonstration (but) only about 40 people joined.

“If you do it outside, there are not many people who will join. They (the opposition) are throwing all sorts of accusations,” Ismail Sabri said while attending the Aspirasi Keluarga Malaysia roadshow in Kampung Gajah, Pasir Salak, Perak today.

The prime minister added that the government is aware many goods have seen a price hike of late, as he has also conducted spot-checks at business premises himself.

He said this crisis was, however, inevitable and reiterated that the rising cost of living is happening worldwide.

“We have subsidised chicken feed, subsidised RM700 million for chicken prices to ensure they remain within the ceiling price.

“Similarly with other basic necessities, they have also been subsidised and the government has spent a total of RM70 billion,” Ismail Sabri said in his officiating speech at the event.

From left: Perak MB Saarani Mohamad, PM Ismail Sabri Yaakob, Chief Secretary to the Government Mohd Zuki Ali and Pasir Salak MP Tajuddin Abdul Rahman

Also present were Perak Menteri Besar Saarani Mohamad, Chief Secretary to the Government Mohd Zuki Ali and Pasir Salak MP Tajuddin Abdul Rahman.

No further subsidy cuts

The premier also denied the opposition’s claim that the government would abolish other subsidies on July 1.

He stressed no subsidies on basic necessities would be removed, aside from the bottled cooking oil subsidy, which the government introduced temporarily during the movement control order.

“What subsidy was cancelled? We spent RM4 billion to maintain the price (of polybag cooking oil) at RM2.50 per kilogram. Without the subsidy, it would be RM9.50 per kilogram.

“So they (the opposition) continue to lie as if there is no God, supposedly all subsidies would be removed on July 1,” Ismail Sabri said.- Mkini