Addressing rising cost of living one of new Cabinet’s immediate tasks – OUCCI chief

MIRI: One of the immediate tasks of the new federal Cabinet is to contain and reduce the rising cost of living to alleviate the burden of the poor and those in rural areas, said Datuk Mutang Tagal.

The Orang Ulu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OUCCI) said prices of daily necessities such as meat, eggs, cooking oil, flour and vegetables have skyrocketed ever since the Covid-19 pandemic and have remained so.

“This has caused hardship for the people,” he said in a statement yesterday.

He hoped that the unity government which comprises parties from all regions in Malaysia could govern for a full term and restore investor confidence and improve the economy.

With Dato Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi helming the Works Ministry, Mutang said Sarawakians and Sabahans expect a sizeable allocation in the 2023 federal budget to ensure the completion of all Pan Borneo Highway projects in the coming five years.

“Also, the Trans Borneo Highway Project connecting Miri, Brunei, Limbang, Lawas and Sipitang must be implemented at the same time.

“Phase 2 of the Sarawak Sabah Link Road (SSLR) which will bypass Brunei to connect Sarawak and Sabah must begin construction within his term as Minister of Works,” Mutang stressed.

He added that the people in Borneo also expect Nanta to build spur roads to all the rural longhouses and villages in the two regions.

On Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof’s appointment as one of the two deputy prime ministers, Mutang said the post must come with real power and not just be for window dressing.

“We look forward to an amicable and speedy resolution to outstanding issues under MA63 (Malaysian Agreement 1963).”

Mutang, who is a former two-term Bukit Mas MP, also congratulated Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on the formation of the unity Cabinet, saying he is confident the country will better off once Anwar and his team begin administering the nation.

“Forget politics and the polemics – unite the people and build this beautiful country of Malaysia,” he said.