Malaysia enjoys cheapest basic food items in Asean, says minister

Yasmin Ramlan Yasmin Ramlan Updated 8 years ago · Published on 8 Mar 2018 1:30PM · 3 Comments

Chicken and meat are subsidised, says a minister today, urging the opposition to compare the price of proteins here with other Asean countries. – The Malaysian Insight file pic, March 8, 2018.

MINISTER Hamzah Zainuddin said the government’s effort to overcome the high cost of living is evident when one compares the price of basic items here with neighbouring countries.

Essentials, such as cooking gas, cooking oil, sugar and flour, are cheaper here because they are regulated by the government, said the domestic trade, cooperatives and consumerism minister.

In his reply in the Dewan Rakyat today, Hamzah said Malaysia’s price controls are better compared with other Asean countries.

“Firstly, essential items, (such as) price of chicken and meat. We compare with all Asean countries.

“I want to explain here so Yang Berhormat realises the government today is a government that knows how to care for the people, especially over the cost of living which is crucial in our country.”

Hamzah was replying to G. Manivannan (PKR-Kapar) who asked him about the ministry’s efforts to control prices of goods to prevent profiteering.

Hamzah said Malaysia did not have as high a gross domestic product (GDP) per capita as Singapore or Brunei, but in terms of the price of goods, Putrajaya’s strategy had worked.

“The price of goods in Singapore is 70% higher than ours, in Brunei it is 71% higher,” he said.

He added in other countries where GDP per capita was lower than Malaysia’s, prices of basic items were still higher, and named Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines and Laos.

Economists have said the rise in food prices and services caused by the ringgit’s value, inflation and the goods and services tax have weakened the purchasing power of most households. – March 8, 2018.

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Comments

  • Each time Umno ministers opens their mouth, they made themselves a laughing stock to the world...yet they don't realise but were proud of their statement. Ask anyone in Malaysia, n they can tell you that the prices of almost everything has skyrocketed...except to Umno ministers skewed and flawed perception....or just want to bluff the rakyat....but the rakyat are not stupid except for Umnoputras who will agree n swallow everything they said. Haha!

    Posted 8 years ago by Peace Maker · Reply

  • although this is a stupid remark from a retard minister nevertheless this remark is good for pakatan harapan

    Posted 8 years ago by Leslie Chan · Reply

  • It is not only a question of price but affordability too. Many Malaysians CANNOT afford many items. Prices in other countries (eg Brunei and Singapore, including FX) may be higher but EVERYBODY CAN BUY.

    Posted 8 years ago by Malaysian First · Reply