Other relief measures rolling out in the meantime, says Fahmi
PUTRAJAYA: The proposed new National Cost-of-Living Action Plan, which was scheduled for launch in the second quarter this year, will be discussed at the National Economic Action Council (MTEN) next Tuesday, says Datuk Fahmi Fadzil (pic).
The government spokesman said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim was aware of the matter and that the government had already been progressively rolling out relief measures.
“For instance, following the Prime Minister’s meeting with commercial banks at Bank Negara Malaysia on April 21, an announcement was made regarding increased assistance under the Syarikat Jaminan Pembiayaan Perniagaan (SJPP) scheme.
“I believe MTEN will look into several matters for further action. I will also bring this issue to the MTEN meeting next Tuesday,” he said at his weekly press conference yesterday.
Fahmi was responding to a question on the status of the national cost-of-living plan, which was previously reported to be scheduled for launch in the second quarter of this year.
On Tuesday, Anwar announced a RM5bil financing guarantee under the SJPP, a 12-month extension for e-invoicing transition, and interim tax relief on re-imported Malaysian goods affected by global disruptions.
Under the SJPP, the federal government will provide RM5bil in guarantees to support affected SMEs, particularly in construction, agriculture and agri-food, logistics and transportation, as well as tourism.
Anwar said the enhanced scheme would offer improved terms, with financing coverage of up to 80% compared with the usual 70%, and guarantee periods extended to up to 10 years from the standard seven.
Meanwhile, Fahmi said the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has received a total of 463 requests to remove fake news on social media platforms related to the global energy crisis.
“Based on complaints lodged, the highest number of requests involved Facebook with 185, followed by TikTok with 142 and Threads with 131 pieces of content, among others,” said Fahmi.
Fahmi warned that authorities are taking stern action against those spreading misinformation, adding that 95 investigation papers have been opened.
“The Attorney General’s Chambers (AGC) has decided to press charges in court for one case, while five others have been advised to be compounded. The remaining cases are still under investigation,” he said.
Fahmi added that the highest volume of fake news content detected relates to fuel prices and the Strait of Hormuz issue.
The Strait of Hormuz has been closed since the United States and Israel attacked Iran on Feb 28.
Global oil markets have been thrown into severe turmoil following the disruption of shipping through the strait.
As of yesterday, Brent crude is trading at about US$99 per barrel. Prior to the conflict, it was trading at about US$72 per barrel.
According to the US Energy Information Administration, over 80% of the crude oil and liquefied natural gas that passes through the strait is bound for Asia.
