'Corruption pushed up prices', says Anwar

JOHOR BARU: Corruption is why prices of goods and services have continued to increase and projects meant for the people are not delivered on time, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

The Prime Minister said that the government would continue to wage war on corruption.

"Government agencies concerned will continue to carry out investigations into those involved in corruption," he said during his speech during a meet-the-people session in Pulai here.

Citing an example, he said if the cost of constructing a bridge is inflated from RM200mil to RM300mil, then something was not right.

He added that the government could intervene in some matters but there were some things beyond their control.

Giving the example of onions, he said that the Indian government had increased the export duties on the produce by 40%.

"We import a lot of onions and the price is expected to increase," he said, adding that the country spent a whopping RM70bil annually to import agriculture-related produce, including seeds.

On another matter, Anwar said that an additional RM50mil had been allocated for Rahmah programmes nationwide.

Anwar's visit was in line with the upcoming Pulai parliamentary by-election.

Pakatan named former Johor state assembly speaker, Suhaizan Kaiat, who was also the late Datuk Seri Salahuddin Ayub's political secretary, as its candidate for the Pulai parliamentary seat.

Earlier, Suhaizan in his speech said that he would continue Salahuddin's 'Rahmah legacy'.

The Rahmah initiative was introduced to help the rakyat, especially those in the B40 category, cope with the rising cost of living.

Salahuddin, who died on July 23, had been acknowledged for his commitment to fighting for the people's well-being as the domestic trade and cost of living minister.

Since the Rahmah initiative was launched in January, various restaurants, supermarkets and hotels have participated in the programme.

Earlier this year, the government also allocated RM100mil for the Jualan Rahmah programme to be held in all 222 parliamentary constituencies nationwide.

It was reported that the initiative saw basic goods sold at 30% lower than regular retail prices.