TWO student bodies are ready to hit the streets if the government does not bring down the price of goods.

The student unions of Universiti Malaya and International Islamic University Malaysia have expressed dissatisfaction with Putrajaya’s move to scrap subsidies and price caps for basic needs, saying that the decision was made without considering the plight of the people.

“We were shocked and upset with the government’s decision to scrap the cooking oil subsidy and ceiling price for daily essentials starting July 1.

“The decision was made without considering the hardship faced by the people. This will lead to an increase in the price of goods, negatively impacting the masses who may need to spend more in their daily expenses,” the two student movements said in a joint statement. 

Earlier this week, Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Alexander Nanta Linggi said bottled palm oil cooking oil will no longer be subsidised come July 1. 

This will apply to cooking oil sold in 2kg, 3kg and 5kg bottles, which currently have maximum retail prices capped at RM12.70, RM18.70 and RM29.70 respectively. 

However, the government subsidy for palm oil cooking oil sold in 1kg poly bag packets at RM2.50, will remain, Nanta told a press conference. 

The subsidy scheme for palm oil cooking oil was implemented on August 1 last year and was meant to last only three months, but the government decided to extend it as living costs rose. 

Nanta said the subsidy cost Putrajaya up to RM20 million a month. 

However, yesterday Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob said the government will not float the prices of chicken nor increase the electricity and water tariffs in the peninsula.

“Putrajaya has decided that the prices of chicken will not be floated in the market. Instead, the Agriculture and Food Industries Ministry will announce new ceiling prices soon.”

At the same time, the two groups lambasted Putrajaya’s move to give additional cash assistance of RM100 per household and RM50 for bachelors in the B40 group.

They said free money would not solve problems faced by the public. 

“The RM100 will not last even a day if prices of goods are increasing. To make matters worse, the government does not have a plan to help students’ affected by the crisis.

“We urge the government to come up with a plan to help the people of all classes. The plan under the Bantuan Keluarga Malaysia is not enough and is not a long-term solution,” the groups added. – June 25, 2022.