FORMER prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak reminded the public today that the soaring cost of living is a global problem and not confined to Malaysia alone.
“The global supply chain was not only affected due to COVID-19 but also the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
“Thankfully, Malaysia is still okay but the Government has pump in more money in subsidies,” he said, in a Facebook post.
On June 21, the Government announced that it would remove subsidies for bottled cooking oil and lift the ceiling price for chicken and eggs and raise utility rates.
Following criticism from many quarters, Putrajaya backtracked on the matter.
“The Government decided the price of chicken in the market will not be floated. The new ceiling price will be announced in the near future by the minister.
“And we will retain electricity and water tariff in Peninsular Malaysia as it is.
“This decision proves that the Government is committed to safeguarding the interest of Keluarga Malaysia so that they are not burdened with the rising cost of living,” Malaysiakini reported Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob as saying.
On that note, Najib said that countries such as Australia are having electric supply issues as the price ceiling imposed on power generation while cost is soaring had prompted energy players to halt supply.
He added that in Sri Lanka, many businesses have shut down leaving many to queue up for days just to get fuel.
“So far, 10 people in the queue. Petrol stations are even being guarded by the military right now.
In Pakistan, Najib said the country has capped working days to five days per week and barred businesses from operating on Sundays to save on energy and fuel.
“And Bangladesh no longer allows businesses to operate beyond 8pm to save on energy and fuel,” the Pekan MP remarked. – June 26, 2022
