KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 12 — Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali, who was appointed Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) Minister today, expressed his pride in the commitment and legacy of outstanding leadership left behind by the late Datuk Seri Salahuddin Ayub.
He was formerly the Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department in charge of Sabah and Sarawak Affairs and took on the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living portfolio as acting minister following Salahuddin’s passing in July.
Armizan was speaking during the wind-up the debate on the Supply Bill 2024 for his new ministry at the Dewan Negara today.
“I would like to take this opportunity on behalf of the entire KPDN family to express our highest appreciation for the services and contributions of the late KPDN Minister Datuk Seri Salahuddin Ayub.
“Throughout the time he held this office, to be honest, I have witnessed his dedication and hard work, as well as his legacy of outstanding leadership in KPDN,” he said.
Armizan added the current agenda and focus of the government is Budget 2024, themed ‘Economic Reforms, Empowering the People’, which must be implemented considering the current demands and realities.
“The Upper House must accept the fact and the reality that the global economy, particularly the issue of living costs, is a crucial backdrop which we cannot ignore.
“The recent Global Risk Report 2023 by the World Economic Forum has identified living costs as a key risk for the next one to two years, surpassing other risks, including disaster risks,” he said.
Armizan also highlighted the successful implementation of the Rahmah Sale Programme (PJR) since April, which has seen significant participation from supermarkets, retailers, suppliers, and wholesalers.
“Since PJR’s launch, the ministry set a target to roll it out nationwide in 222 Parliamentary constituencies and 640 state constituencies. As of December 11, the Rahmah Sales have recorded over 5.6 million visitors across 4,234 locations,” he said.
Concerning price hikes next year, the minister said it is inappropriate for the government to promise something entirely beyond its control, especially when Malaysia’s economic system adopts a free-market economy.
“In addition, the government’s main instrument at the moment is providing subsidies in bulk or in cash assistance.
“Strategies and mechanisms which have been, and are being, implemented are subsidies on fuel, diesel, liquified petroleum gas (LPG) and packaged palm oil, rebates on electricity bills and the Payung Rahmah initiative,” Armizan said.
— Bernama
