The Malaysian Insight

BRINGING down the price of essential goods must be a whole-of-government effort instead of just one single ministry, Anwar Ibrahim said. 

The opposition leader said Putrajaya must ramp up efforts to bring down prices of basic necessities, which have spiked. 

“The government must take comprehensive steps. The person who has been answering for all the price hikes is the domestic trade and consumer affairs minister.

“I say it must involve all. The Agriculture and Food Industries Ministry, Finance Ministry and the prime minister should set up a cabinet committee as well,” he told reporters after an event in his Port Dickson constituency today.

“This is because controlling the surge in price of goods involves capital, the market and cash injection from the government,” he added.

The PKR president said the government cannot just blame the current situation on the cost of fertilisers.

“Even if the price of fertilisers has gone up, it must be controlled, like the price of chicken. 

“Why are some chickens sold at RM8 while others are sold at RM10? It goes to show that this is a question of marketing.” 

The price of vegetables skyrocketed recently, up to 200%. Farmers have blamed a combination of factors such as labour shortages, higher cost of input materials, climate change and supply chain disruptions. 

Broccoli and cauliflower from China now cost around RM15 and RM17 per kg, respectively

Others like kailan now cost RM13 per kg while long beans, which used to cost RM5-6 per kg, have gone up to RM9. – December 4, 2021.