THE unity government is committed to continuing with intervention programmes such as the Payung Rahmah initiative and Agro Madani Sales even though the rate of inflation in the country has eased to 2%, which is the lowest in almost two years.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said the initiatives will continue with the cooperation of state governments, which will benefit the people.

He said this in a statement after chairing the National Action Council on the Cost of Living today.

“In the meeting we discussed price control for standard round chickens and eggs implemented since February 2022.

“It is important that the direction of chicken and egg price control be finalised to ensure supply chain continuity,” he said.

The prime minister said the unity government also wants to ensure that the people have access to medicines at more competitive prices.

He said the government’s priority is to ensure that the mechanism of medicine sales becomes more transparent to benefit the people and that the Health Ministry would study the matter before it is finalised.

“The government is also sensitive to the possible disruption of sugar supply if no immediate action is taken to deal with related issues in the world raw sugar price.

“Accordingly, all these matters will be presented in the cabinet soon for the final decisions to be made,” said Anwar, adding that the meeting also took note of the planning and implementation of the Government’s Central Database System by the Economy Ministry.

Anwar said government agencies such as the Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority and the Farmers’ Organisation Authority have been instructed to act as local white rice distribution agencies, especially in rural areas, to enable the public to obtain rice more easily.

He also said Bank Negara Malaysia provided clarification during the meeting that major banks and e-wallet service providers that accept payments through DuitNow QR will continue to waive transaction fees on micro and small businesses.

In addition, Payments Network Malaysia Sdn Bhd will also allocate resources to help finance the costs incurred by payment service providers, especially non-bank providers that continue to offer full exemptions to micro and small businesses.

The meeting was attended by Deputy Prime Ministers Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Fadillah Yusof, ministers, Chief Secretary to the Government Mohd Zuki Ali, industry players, civil society groups and academics. – Bernama, October 3, 2023.