PUTRAJAYA must announce in 24 hours measures to help Malaysians cope with the rising cost of living, more so as the prices of chicken and cooking oil are set to rise from July 1, Pakatan Harapan said today.
The opposition is ready to mobilise the people to express their dissatisfaction if the government fails to announce any measures, the coalition’s presidential council said in a statement.
“PH is ready to move the people and civil societies to express their anger at the government’s failure,” said the statement, signed by PKR president Anwar Ibrahim, Amanah president Mohamd Sabu, DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke and Upko president Madius Tangau.
“The government must announce a complete plan on the subsidy issue and rising living costs in 24 hours.
“If it fails to do so, the ministers responsible for cost of living issues must resign.”
The government will stop subsidies for chicken and bottled cooking oil on June 30, leaving prices market forces, Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Alexander Nanta Linggi said yesterday.
The price of chicken, now at RM8.90 per kg for a standard bird and RM9.90 per kg for a dressed bird, is set to go up to RM10 and RM12.50 per kg, respectively.
A free float for bottled palm oil cooking oil prices will affect the prices of oil sold in 2kg, 3kg and 5kg bottles. Subsidies will be maintained, however, for cooking oil sold in 1kg polybags at RM2.50 each.
“It (July 1) is less than one week away yet the government has not yet announced any mechanism, funds or guidelines on targeted subsidies,” said PH.
“This does not give the people much time to prepare to face the rising cost of living.
“This is not proactive and is irresponsible of the government.” – June 22, 2022.
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