PUTRAJAYA: Three Consideration Papers and two Notice Papers were tabled at the National Action Council on Cost of Living (NACCOL) meeting today to further discuss measures to alleviate the cost of living burden faced by the people.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said among the issues discussed during the meeting were related to the price of round chicken and eggs; access to medicine at competitive prices; and possible disruption of sugar supply.
With regards to the price of round chicken and eggs, he said the meeting discussed price controls for the items that have been implemented since February 2022.
"It is important that the direction of chicken and egg price control can be finalised to ensure the continuity of the supply chain," he said in a statement today.
For medicine and its pricing, he said the unity government was also concerned about the people's interest in the matter so that they knew the price to be paid and were able to make a choice.
He said the price display mechanism would allow medicine sales to be more transparent.
He also said the government was aware of the possibility of disruption to the supply of sugar if no immediate action was taken to deal with issues related to the increase in world raw sugar prices.
"All these matters will be presented in the cabinet meeting in the near future to obtain direction and be finalised," he added.
He also said that Melaka Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (Fama) and Farmers Organisation Authority have been instructed to be more proactive to act as a Local White Rice (BPT) distribution agency.
This is especially for rural areas to reduce difficulties for the people in obtaining rice supplies following the intervention measures that were announced by the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry yesterday.
Although the rate of inflation in the country has reduced to two per cent -the lowest rate in almost two years, he said the unity government remains committed to continuing intervention programmes such as the Payung Rahmah and Madani Agro Sales initiative.
These initiatives will continue with the cooperation of the state governments and will benefit the people in the ongoing efforts of the unity government to address the issue of the cost of living.
"I would like to emphasise that the unity government's main agenda is lightening the burden of the cost of living for the people so that they receive direct benefits for every initiative and strategy implemented.
"I also call for all government agencies at the federal and states as well as non-governmental organisations to work together to ensure that the well-being of Malaysia Madani continues to be strengthened," he added.
