MELAKA: Raising incomes and stabilising the prices of basic goods and services are the twin priorities of a new national plan to ease cost-of-living pressures, says Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali.
The Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister said the National Cost of Living Action Plan 2030 (NCLAP30) sets out 429 initiatives under 35 strategies to address the issue comprehensively over five years.
He said the plan provides a national framework to coordinate cost-of-living policies, programmes and initiatives across ministries and government agencies.
“The 35 strategies and 429 initiatives encompass the continuation and improvement of existing initiatives, alongside the introduction of new programmes.
"These will be implemented across various ministries and agencies, including through collaboration with strategic partners,” he said after the Sentuhan Kasih Madani programme and NCLAP30 launch at the grounds of Stadium Hang Jebat in Krubong here on Saturday (Oct 24).
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim officiated at the launch.
Armizan said the plan was developed in line with the country’s key policy directions, including the Madani Economy framework, and supports the cost-of-living strategy outlined in the 13th Malaysia Plan.
He described NCLAP30 as a dynamic document that would be continually refined, with strategies strengthened and programmes introduced as needed.
“This approach ensures the plan remains relevant and responsive to changing socioeconomic conditions, the people’s needs, and domestic and global challenges affecting the cost of living,” he said.
Armizan said coordinated implementation was essential to ensure every programme and initiative delivered the best possible outcomes for the people.
To support this, he noted that the role of the National Cost of Living Action Council (NACCOL) has been strengthened to monitor and review the implementation of cost-of-living initiatives by ministries and agencies.
He said the decision was made at the council’s second meeting on Sept 29.
Armizan added that the plan’s success would depend on cooperation and participation from all parties through a whole-of-nation approach to improve the people’s wellbeing.
