Withdrawal of subsidy no justification to raise price of roti canai, says Hamzah

LARUT: The withdrawal of subsidy for all-purpose wheat flour in 25kg packs is no reason for restaurant owners to raise the price of roti canai.

Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Minister Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainuddin said there was no justification for an increase in the price of roti canai because the cost of making a piece of roti canai is only 0.02sen.

"If any restaurant owner raises the price of roti canai claiming subsidy has been withdrawn, can lodge a report and action will be taken," he told reporters after opening a Parents-Teachers Association meeting at Sekolah Kebangsaan Sungai Dendang, here Saturday.

On March 1, the Government decided to withdraw the subsidy for all-purpose wheat flour in 25kg packs because consumers hardly bought flour in 25kg packs.

The Government, however, retained the subsidy for all-purpose wheat flour in 1kg packs with its retail price maintained at RM1.35.

According to Hamzah, his ministry has yet to receive any complaint about irresponsible restaurant owners raising the price of roti canai but the ministry would continue to monitor the situation. – Bernama