PUTRAJAYA: With Malaysia in crisis preparedness mode amid global uncertainties affecting fuel prices, measures will keep being taken to address cost of living issues and reduce the people’s financial burden, says Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
This was among the matters raised by him at the 17th National Action Council on Cost of Living (Naccol) executive committee meeting, which focused on the government’s preparedness in facing the global energy crisis.
The Deputy Prime Minister said the government will not tolerate any attempt by traders to use the conflict as an excuse to raise prices indiscriminately.
“The crisis has had a direct impact on the prices of goods and overall cost of living.
“The government will not compromise with any party attempting to take advantage by unreasonably increasing prices, particularly by using the Middle East conflict as an excuse,” he said in a statement.
He gave assurance that the people’s welfare and interests would remain the top priority, with firm action to be taken against those found violating regulations.
Acknowledging the pressure faced by Malaysians as a result of the conflict, he said the government had taken measures aimed at safeguarding livelihoods without imposing additional burdens.
“The Naccol executive committee will convene regularly throughout this energy crisis period to ensure that issues affecting the people are addressed swiftly and effectively,” he added.
To further support the people, the government has allocated RM54.7bil this year towards social assistance, subsidies and income-enhancement incentives
Currently, over 13.7 million Malaysians benefit from 60 social assistance programmes nationwide and of this number, over half receive at least two forms of aid.
At the Rural and Regional Development Ministry’s monthly assembly, Ahmad Zahid said projects and programmes under the ministry would be restructured to prepare for the impact of the Middle East crisis.
He said priority would be given to critical projects to help rural communities.
On another matter, he said diesel subsidy for fishermen, including deep-sea fishermen in Zone C2, would be further refined at upcoming Naccol and National Economic Action Council meetings.
