KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 29 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the government is doing its best to help people cope with rising living costs.
Anwar acknowledged certain problems, and said he has asked Acting Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali and Deputy Minister Datuk Fuziah Salleh to pay attention to the matter.
He said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi is highlighting the issue in the National Action Council on Cost of Living Committee meeting.
“There is indeed a problem, I admit the problem with the (rising) prices of goods and necessities. We also saw some countries experiencing major social unrest due to restrictions on rice exports, and the increase in onion export taxes, all of which have an impact on the economy and (prices of) goods.
“However, we will try to resolve it. Whenever the Finance Ministry has to assist, then we will do it,” he told reporters after launching Tabung Haji’s 60th anniversary celebration at Menara TH.
Asked if his weekly audience with Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah scheduled for today will touch on the cabinet reshuffle, he said it was just a weekly audience.
“Perhaps I’ll think about it later. There is no urgent need because it is only one vacancy,” said the Prime Minister.
Currently, the KPDN ministerial post is vacant after the death of Datuk Seri Salahuddin Ayub in July.
The media previously reported the possibility of a cabinet reshuffle in the near future, with several ministers predicted to be dropped after the Pelangai by-election on October 7.
— Bernama
