COST OF LIVING MEETING DUE NEXT MONTH
Members of five clusters need to be appointed first, says minister
THE first meeting of the National Cost of Living Action Council is expected to take place next month. Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Minister Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin said the meeting would begin only after the members of five clusters in the council had been appointed.
“We wanted to have our first meeting by this month, but we need to wait until all members of the five clusters receive their letters of appointment.
“Each cluster needs to have its own meeting when it has a chairman. The appointment of the chairmen will be announced by the prime minister or deputy prime minister.
“I will ensure the council meeting will be held at least by next month to address the cost of living issues faced by the people,” he said after attending the ministry’s monthly assembly yesterday. During last year’s Umno General Assembly, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak announced the formation of the National Cost of Living Action Council to address issues.
The ministry has been shortlisting industry players, experts and professionals to be included as members of the council to ensure every decision made could be implemented for longterm goals.
The council includes five clusters — education, housing, transport, utility and food and beverage.
“For the education cluster, we want to educate the community about their responsibilities when they become traders or entrepreneurs and learn business ethics, as well as their responsibilities and rights as consumers.
“We want to start this from school and ensure that students know the demand and supply concept, as well as how to manage their finance. This is what we will emphasise in the council,” said Hamzah.
On another matter, Hamzah said the ministry would support local leaders in organising “Jualan Sentuhan Rakyat”, a sales programme under the ministry, in their areas.
He said the programme had been held in 30 locations nationwide.
“People get to buy food and basic items at lower prices as we bring in wholesalers for the event.
“Food and basic commodities at Jualan Sentuhan Rakyat are much cheaper than the market price.
“For instance, the market price of 1kg of chicken is RM7, but you can buy it at RM6 at a Jualan Sentuhan Rakyat event.”