PUTRAJAYA: The Cabinet has agreed to the formation of a technical committee to ensure the prices and supplies of essential food supplies are under control, says Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali.
The Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister said this is an effort to improve the present mechanism of stabilising food prices and supplies, where there were price control schemes in each festive season.
“The formation of this technical committee is to strengthen cooperation across ministries which was previously mobilised on an ad hoc basis, each time before a festive season, to address any issues on price and supplies of essential goods for the people.
“With this technical committee, we will ensure that planning is made earlier,” Armizan said at a press conference after the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry Hari Raya Aidilfitri reception on Wednesday (April 23).
Armizan said the first meeting of the technical committee on stabilising the prices and supplies of daily necessities will be held in May and it will be chaired by his ministry’s chief secretary.
“This is a whole of nation approach because it involves government agencies and the industry,” added Armizan.
Armizan said the committee will consist of three main ministries - the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry, the Plantation and Commodities Ministry and the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry.
“It will also consist of permanent and invited members from the industry. If there is a need, we will also involve other agencies in the meeting,” added Armizan
