Government urged to disclose formula to set monthly prices

PETALING JAYA: The Government should disclose the formula used to set monthly fuel prices to prevent the opposition from exploiting the issue, said MCA Publicity Bureau deputy chief Lau Chin Kok.

Revealing how fuel prices are calculated would prevent the opposition from distorting the facts following any significant rise, he said.

“The government needs to handle this issue with openness and transparency, and not give the opposition a chance to mislead the public,” he said in a statement.

A day earlier, The Barisan Nasional strategic communications team had explained that the retail petrol prices er based on the refined product, not crude oil.

Following the removal of subsidies, the Domestic Trade, Coopera­tives and Consumerism Ministry has set the price of petrol and diesel on a managed float system as of Dec 1, 2014.

Lau said naysayers were taking advantage of the ever-expanding social media platforms to rapidly spread fake news.

He added that the relevant government authorities should strengthen their public relations units so that they can respond professionally to accusations or allegations and, more importantly, convey government policies to the public.