New Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister pledges to stabilise prices and avoid shortages

PETALING JAYA: Datuk Saifuddin Nasution Ismail (pic) pledges to stabilise prices of goods and avoid shortages of supply as he becomes the new Minister of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs.

The new minister for the Pakatan Harapan government said he will fulfil the pledges made in the coalition's manifesto for the 14th General Election.

Saifuddin is among 13 ministers who took their oath before the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Muhammad V at Istana Negara on Monday (July 2).

He told The Star that his first priority is to look at the overall ecosystem and supply chain of goods and services to ensure there are no elements of cheating and unethical practices that had caused prices to rise.

"The ministry will need cooperation from retailers and distributors as well as consumers to ensure prices of essential goods remain stable and fair," he added.

Saifuddin said he would report to the ministry in Putrajaya tomorrow (July 3) and receive briefings on the ministry.

"I feel energetic and am looking forward to give the best of my ability to run the ministry and serve the country and people," he said.