Anwar admits rise in prices of goods a ‘problem’

The prime minister says the government is ready to provide the people assistance amid the growing anxiety over the cost of living.

(FMT) – Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim says the unity government acknowledges that there is an urgent concern regarding the rising prices of goods and how they are affecting the people.

He said the National Action Council on Cost of Living (Naccol) chaired by deputy prime minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi will hold a special meeting to look into the matter.

“There is indeed a problem. I admit the problem with the (rising) prices of goods and necessities.

“The country is already feeling great social anxiety because of the rice export restrictions and the increase in export taxes (imposed by other countries),” he told reporters after launching Lembaga Tabung Haji’s 60th anniversary celebration today.

Anwar, who is also the finance minister, said his ministry is ready to provide assistance to the people to offset the effects of the rising prices of goods.

“I have asked Sabah and Sarawak affairs minister Armizan Ali and deputy domestic trade and cost of living minister Fuziah Salleh to focus on the matter,” he said.

Yesterday, former prime minister Muhyiddin Yassin called for the government to formulate a comprehensive action plan to overcome the shortage of local rice supplies and to ensure the people always have food on the table.

The Perikatan Nasional chairman called for stricter and more holistic enforcement to ensure there is no manipulation of local rice supplies. He said the government should increase its stockpile and make efforts to increase production.

Earlier this week, former prime minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob urged the government to immediately implement a short-term plan to mitigate the rise in prices and shortage of certain goods, such as rice.

He said stop-gap measures are necessary because the people are angry over these issues and want the government to take immediate action.