Actions by the Unity Government to ease the rakyat’s cost of living
THE world continues to grapple with incessant inflation which has plunged some countries into long periods of instability.
Prices of goods and services worldwide have been on a perpetual increase.
However, Malaysia is in an enviable position in comparison because of the substantial amount of government subsidies that continue to shield citizens from rising costs.
Under Belanjawan 2023, total subsidies allocated for the people increased from RM31bil in 2022 to RM64bil in 2023 including for the lower-income (B40) and middle income M40 groups.
Through the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry (KPDN), the Government continues to take comprehensive measures to temper the effects of rising prices and, ultimately, to keep Malaysia’s Consumer Price Index (CPI) from escalating rapidly.
According to KPDN, Malaysia has one of the best price control policies in the Asean region.
It mentions that consumer welfare and economic prosperity are prioritised and carefully considered when decisions are made.
There are also processes in place for the relevant industries whereby each layer of the supply chain is evaluated.
Currently, there are 43 items which are price-controlled by KPDN.
They include local chicken, all categories of eggs (A, B, C), packet cooking oil, RON95 fuel and domestic liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), while items like diesel and bottled cooking oil are subsidised.
KDPN also mentioned that the ministry takes the “no hiding, no lying, no outrageous purchasing conditions” slogan seriously.
Over 480 items at over 1,400 retail premises nationwide are closely monitored.
KPDN acknowledges the importance of daily monitoring to understand product price trends that drive inflation and consumer behaviour, which in turn enables it to conduct targeted initiatives.
It is also carries out the Payung RAHMAH programme to help reduce the cost of living for the B40s and hardcore poor.
Beyond that, the programme itself caters to everyone, as it is #RAHMAH for all.
It was an idea from the late, Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Seri Salahuddin Ayub, then was announced by Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim when tabling the Belanjawan 2023 last February.
It aims to distribute 124,000 Bakul RAHMAH initiatives to the hardcore poor and have given out about 84,322 units to date.
Meanwhile, the Menu RAHMAH initiative that was launched on Jan 31 this year offers lunch or dinner sets at RM5 over 2,849 food outlets nationwide – and it is still expanding.
KPDN also adds that medical treatment, cheap sales, and the most recent RAHMAH spectacles package are a hit among the people.
In addition to controlled price items, there are many other items with reduced prices during sales conducted by our industry partners.
KPDN also allocates subsidies for basic necessities in every state and parliamentary constituency.
Reiterating that issues and challenges related to the cost of living in Malaysia are under control, KPDN also recognises the National Action Council on Cost of Living (NACCOL) – which functions to identify issues, monitor policies and programmes, as well as facilitate, recommend, develop and implement policies, strategies and action plans.
Additionally, KPDN strictly enforces the Control of Supplies Act 1961, Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011.
Public information
Keen for the public to be the ministry’s eyes and ears to help it stay on top of things, KPDN has set up multiple platforms for the rakyat to air their grouses regarding the price of goods and services.
Download the EZ ADU KPDN smartphone app or go to KPDN’s e-complaints portal (http://e.aduan.kpdn.kpdn.gov.my).
One can also contact the KPDN call centre (1-800-886-800), its enforcement operations rooms (03-8882 6088 / 6245) or via email ([email protected]).
The fastest way would be to send a WhatsApp text to 019-279 4317 or 019-848 8000.
Credit: The Star : News Feed
