IPOH, Jan 28 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the 'Khidmat Demi Rakyat’ cheapest sales programme will be continued and expanded nationwide to help reduce the people’s cost of living.
Speaking briefly during a visit to the sales programme at Klebang Restu public field here today, Anwar said he was concerned about the people's grievances about the rising cost of goods and services.
“We have taken various steps following the rising cost of living. Although we raise the amount of STR (Rahmah Cash Aid), it is still insufficient if the prices of goods increase.
“We will increase, expand and have more frequent cheap sales, particularly for necessities like fish, chickens, rice and so on,” he said.
Anwar said the government, through the National Action Council on Cost of Living (Naccol), will continue to find solutions to improve livelihoods down to the grassroots.
"Costs are increasing everywhere in the world, trust me, it is not easy, but we take note of every complaint and will continue to find ways,” stressed Anwar, who is also the Tambun MP.
Meanwhile, Anwar said Bukit Gantang MP Datuk Syed Abu Hussin Hafiz Syed Abdul Fasal has been appointed to head the committee to tackle the issue of rising food prices and cost of living.
He said the former Fisheries Development Authority of Malaysia (LKIM) chairman will head the cluster under Naccol.
“… that’s why I am tasking Syed Abu Hussin to help Naccol. I confirm this so that he can head the cluster, which will increase its efforts so the 'Khidmat Demi Rakyat’ cheapest sales programme can be enhanced, expanded and held more frequently nationwide,” he said in his speech after visiting the sales programme.
Also present was Syed Abu Hussin Hafiz, who later told the media that he was ready to accept the responsibility, including implementing the sales programme nationwide.
He said that there are several methods to stabilise the prices of essential items, including rice.
“The earliest measure is rice, followed by other items because rice is now a critical issue.
“So, if I am given the authority to manage this, Insya-Allah, we will show the people and the government that there are methods to stabilise the prices of main food items,” he said.
The Prime Minister then surveyed the Mydin Mall Meru Raya and the Perak Inland Revenue Board mobile counters for checking STR recipients and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (Sara).
— Bernama
