PRIME Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob has refuted claims that the government is doing nothing to address the cost of living issue.

Responding to allegations hurled by the opposition at a demonstration last Friday, Ismail stated that Putrajaya has launched several measures to fix the matter, including providing more than RM70 billion in subsidies.

“Last week at the compound of Masjid Jamek in Kampung Baru, one of the opposition parties held a demonstration after Friday prayers and about 40 to 50 people were present.”

“Various allegations were made against the government as if the government has not done anything to address the issues concerning the cost-of-living these days.”

“The government realises that there are indeed rising prices of goods. I did do random checks at business premises and supermarkets to look into this issue,” he said in his closing speech at the Jelajah Aspirasi Keluarga Malaysia Tour at Litar Dato’ Sagor in Kampung Gajah in Perak today.

Ismail added that he would ensure the people are not burdened by the situation but noted that the phenomenon is happening globally.

“In addressing the cost-of-living the government allocated subsidies of more than RM70 billion for basic goods and no subsidies were terminated.”

“RM700 million in food subsidies were given to ensure the price of chicken remains at RM8.90. For Cooking oil the subsidy is RM4 billion so that the price of packet cooking oil is RM2.50, if not the price would be RM9.50 a packet (for) a kilogram,” he said.

Last Friday, about 60 Amanah members and supporters staged a peaceful protest against the government’s inability to curb price hikes. 

The rally started after Friday prayers near the Kampung Baru mosque in Kuala Lumpur. 

Among those present were Amanah communications director Khalid Abdul Samad, vice-president Adly Zahari and Selangor exco member Izham Hashim. – July 3, 2022.