Prices of essential goods to remain stable

KUALA LUMPUR: In a bid to alleviate concerns over rising prices, the government has assured the public that prices of essential goods, particularly subsidised items, will remain stable for the rest of the year.

Datuk Seri Salahuddin Ayub, the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister, revealed that the ministry’s assessment has shown that prices of chicken, eggs, RON95 petrol, and diesel are being effectively controlled.

During a press conference held at Econsave supermarket Setapak, Salahuddin stated, “Prices for subsidised cooking oil, which is sold at RM2.50 per packet, are also not increasing. Furthermore, the price of bottled cooking oil is not rising and is in fact, being sold at lower prices than the set price.”

The minister also confirmed that his ministry has not received any complaints about price hikes and refuted allegations suggesting that certain goods would soon experience an increase in prices.

However, Salahuddin urged the public to immediately report any price increases in essential goods at supermarkets or grocery stores to the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs for swift action to be taken.

Moreover, he did not discount the possibility that certain parties are intentionally exaggerating the issue of price increases ahead of the upcoming elections in Kedah, Penang, Kelantan, Terengganu, Selangor, and Negri Sembilan.

Responding to media reports of a potential 20% price increase in goods during the third quarter of this year due to higher import prices, Salahuddin acknowledged the problem and assured the public that the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs is closely monitoring the situation.

He emphasized that the ongoing monitoring of prices, particularly for essential items, is a key responsibility of the ministry.

Salahuddin disclosed that the ministry’s recent Ops Manis operation has found that the price of sugar remained stable during Hari Raya Aidiladha, and there have been no complaints regarding sugar shortages.

Earlier reports in the media had identified two main factors contributing to the projected increase in prices: imported inflation and the rising operating costs for businesses in Malaysia.