‘Essential goods price standardisation programme should be monitored comprehensively’
KUALA LUMPUR: A more comprehensive monitoring is needed to ensure the effectiveness of the Essential Goods Price Standardisation Programme in Sabah and Sarawak.
Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang ( BN-Kanowit) said although the program had started several years ago, the prices of goods especially in remote and rural areas in the two states were still considered more expensive than in the urban areas.
“Among the main reasons why essential goods are sold at higher prices in the interiors is the transportation cost... through the current system, the goods are delivered through a third party.
“However, the price of the goods is still more expensive, this system does not work. As such, the Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Ministry should review the matter,” he said when debating the motion of thanks on the Yang di-Pertuan Agong’s speech in the Dewan Rakyat yesterday.
He also suggested that direct or targeted subsidies were channelled to the people such as the 1Malaysia People’s Aid (BR1M) to reduce the dependence on the third party; thus, addressing the problem.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak when tabling the 2018 Budget in Parliament last year, announced that the government would continue the Essent ial Goods Price Standardisation Programme in Sabah and Sarawak with a total allocation of RM80 million. The sitting continues today. — Bernama