KUALA LUMPUR, June 24 – The Pakatan Harapan Presidential Council is very worried about the latest developments in the cost of living, especially after the announcement by the Minister of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs yesterday that subsidies for bottled pure cooking oil, as well as ceiling prices for eggs and chicken will be abolished from July 1.
In a situation where the people’s economy is very affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, the people’s lives will worsen when the price of goods will increase. At this point, the Government has not announced any mechanism, funds and timeline for the implementation of targeted subsidies, although it is only about a week until the subsidy and price ceiling are abolished.
This does not give the people much time to prepare for the rising cost of living which may increase many times over. This is neither a proactive nor a responsible step. The Opposition Leader has repeatedly reprimanded in Parliament about the delay of the National Cost of Living Action Council (NACCOL) meeting and taking action last year.
Unfortunately, the people continue to witness how slow the actions of the Ministers are in addressing the cost of living. Therefore, the Government must fully announce the plan to address these subsidies and cost of living within 24 hours. If they fail, the Ministers responsible for the cost of living must also resign. Pakatan Harapan will also take several actions including mass mobilization with civil society and any other parties who want to come together to voice the people’s anger.
