This is to ensure those affected by the rising cost of living can be supported
PRIME Minister (PM) Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim instructed all government departments to formulate and develop suitable measures to implement targeted subsidies by taking into consideration the interests of the consumers and the industries.
In a statement issued after chairing the National Action Council on Cost of Living (NACCOL) meeting, Anwar said Malaysia must channel bulk subsidies, which also benefit the super-rich and conglomerates, towards supporting the bottom 40% income group, middle 40% income group and small business owners who are particularly affected by the rising cost of living.
“For example, Tenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB) has almost 10 million consumers but 10% or one million of the consumers are the conglomerates who enjoy more than 50% in electricity subsidy.
“So, government departments must formulate and develop suitable measures to implement targeted subsidies by taking into consideration the interests of the consumers and the industries, and ensure smooth and effective implementation of the measures,” he said.
The NACCOL meeting at Perdana Putra today was also attended by DPMs Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Mohd Zuki Ali and other relevant ministers.
On Nov 27, Anwar instructed NACCOL to analyse and go through the subsidy implications within two weeks. He said the subsidies borne by the government including the electricity bill subsidy, are currently being enjoyed by all groups even though they are actually for the poor.
Meanwhile, Anwar, who is also finance minister, said three reports were tabled at today’s meeting which covered the common issues, objections and strategies by the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry, Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change Ministry and the Plantation and Commodities Ministry.
“The reports were aimed at getting a preview from the relevant stakeholders, especially the industry players and non-governmental organisations representing the consumers,” he said.
Anwar said the government is also consistent in developing and supporting sustainable industrial development where the country’s livestock sector has long reached a sustainable level to meet local demand and is also able to export its products.
“The government plans to facilitate the industry’s capability to export their products and to ensure that it is also capable of producing sufficient supply for the people, and this includes greater and targeted assistance, especially to local entrepreneurs,” he said.
At present, he said the supply issue is the government’s main focus because a lack of supply will have a negative impact, and therefore, the government will consider looking into the government’s intervention methods at the consumer level.
“The NACCOL meeting has discussed this matter at length and some measures have been recommended. These matters will be tabled to Cabinet for consideration tomorrow,” he said. — Bernama / pic MUHD AMIN NAHARUL