DOMESTIC Trade and Cost of Living Minister Salahuddin Ayub has hit out at the opposition for making claims that prices have gone up ahead of the state elections.

Salahuddin, who is Amanah deputy president, assured the public there would be no increase in the prices of goods as the government was constantly monitoring the prices of certain non-subsidised items.

“(The prices of) items such as sugar and wheat flour will not go up because they are fully controlled by the government… but other goods for which we don’t control the prices, it is up to the people to choose,” he said last night in Kuala Terengganu.

“The government is taking various measures to address the cost of living issue, but we cannot control people’s lifestyle costs.”

Salahuddin said the Payung Rahmah initiative, especially Jualan Rahmah and Menu Rahmah, which are aimed at helping the hardcore poor, gives people the option to spend within their means.

Meanwhile, Salahuddin said seat distribution between Pakatan Harapan  and Barisan Nasional for the six-state elections has been completed and will be announced soon.

Terengganu, Kelantan, Kedah, Selangor, Penang and Negri Sembilan will go to the polls on August 12. – Bernama, July 19, 2023.