MINISTRY LOOKING INTO BREAKING MONOPOLIES

Domestic trade ministry collecting info before taking action, says Saifuddin

THE Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumer Affairs Ministry is looking into the possibility of doing away with monopoly in the supply of goods and services in sectors under its jurisdiction, said its minister, Datuk Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.

He said the ministry was collecting information on the business and services sectors where there was a monopoly.

“We will decide whether we should allow monopoly or if the time has come for us to put a stop to the practice and open business activities to those with the capabilities and in compliance with the ministry’s criteria.”

He said this after launching the Labuan PKR office and officiating at the Hari Raya Aidilfitri open house here on Sunday.

Saifuddin, who is PKR secretary-general, said the ministry did not rule out the possibility of reviewing policies deemed to have been the cause of high cost of living and those that burden stakeholders and traders.

“I have spent a week listening to briefings from sections in the ministry.

“We must not dismantle everything and leave it in a vacuum. But we are looking at improvements in the long term for the people.”

He said the government was exploring ways to reduce the cost of living.

He said the ministry was determined to get rid of corruption and abuse of power.

“We are committed to fulfilling the 100-day promise and reform agenda as reminded by the Pakatan Harapan government for the people’s interest.

“We have been reminded by Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad that there will be zero tolerance should any minister, regardless of his seniority, be found to have been involved in corruption.”

He said despite the financial constraints faced by the government, all ministries were dutybound to ensure that the people’s interests and the country’s development remained the priority.