Kuala Lumpur, Jan 16 – The reduction in petrol subsidy is not the main factor in the price hike of goods, said Youth and Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin.
Based on a survey conducted at the Kuala Lumpur Wet Market early this morning, other factors like demand, supply and weather, as well as the festive season were among the main factors influencing the increase or decrease of the price of an item in the market.
“We want to understand the supply chain of vegetables, fruits and marine produce as well as the profit margins of the farmer/fisherman, wholesaler and retailer.
“Based on the visit, I found that the increase in petrol price had minimal effect on the price of goods at the wholesale market. For example, a container carrying the goods would only face an increase in the cost of petrol of between 50 sen to RM1,” Khairy, who is also Head of Umno Youth, told reporters after the survey.
He said considering the cost of living was a national issue affecting all parties, it was the responsibility of every minister to help monitor the situation and provide the information to the relevant ministry and consumers.
“This will show the seriousness of the government in ensuring that there is no unreasonable increase in the price of goods and no-one takes advantage of the situation.”
Khairy said pamphlets on the current price of goods will be distributed by the Ministry of Domestric Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism to consumers through the Umno Youth Consumer Squad which has been established in every state to provide information on current prices and compare the prices of items.
“Umno Youth also asks the ministry to have a campaign to list the names of authentic fair price outlets to help the people buy daily needs,” he said.
On the issue of the move of the Giatmara centre in Selayang as instructed by the Selangor state government, Khairy said he was sure there was a political element because the notice had been served without prior discussion on the matter.
“Why weren’t discussions held with the Ministry of Rural and Regional Development first? Giatmara is where we give beneficial vocational training to create useful individuals.
“I urge the Selangor government to review the move of Giatmara. Do not chase out an institution which has been operating there for 20 years,” he said.
-Bernama
