IPOH: The government is always looking for ways to ensure that prices of food remain low, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The Prime Minister said matters related to food prices and cost of living will not be taken lightly.
“It’s not easy but we will find ways and not rest on our laurels.
“It is a problem faced globally but we will try our best to solve it,” he said during the opening of the Rahmah Kasih Sayang Mega Sale@Tambun at a hypermarket in Manjoi here yesterday.
“Our lands are fertile but we import all types of food.
“We call on companies to produce more.
“Like the late Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Seri Salahuddin Ayub, all his life (as a minister), he always discussed with companies, manufacturers and shops on how to keep prices down,” he added.
Anwar reiterated the importance of having a strong and stable government in order to build the economy.
“No foreign investors will come to Malaysia if the prime minister changes every year,” he said, adding that funds from the investors will be used to help the people.
He noted that many countries, including some wealthy ones, had tried to get (Tesla Motors chief executive officer) Elon Musk to invest in their countries but did not succeed.
“He chose Malaysia. I told him we have a stable government, peaceful country and good economic policy,” he said.
Earlier, in Gerik, Anwar said an additional RM30mil will be allocated for the Jeli-Gerik East-West Highway road upgrade.
The Prime Minister said the Federal Government will also discuss the request made by the Works Ministry to upgrade the highway in the next budget.
“Just a few weeks ago, I used the highway from Kota Baru heading to Penang at night.
“The road was pitch black with no lights and we even had to stop a few times to make way for the elephants to cross the road,” he said when launching the Works Ministry’s MYJalan campaign at the Pulau Banding jetty.
In June, the Works Ministry announced that RM45.67mil had been allocated for the East-West Highway upgrade.
At another event, Anwar also said the police force is likely to get an additional allocation for the repairs and maintenance of its quarters in the coming budget.
“I know the situation and the issues the police are facing regarding their quarters and barracks.
“Many of such housing units require repairs and mostly are not maintained for years.
“Probably only about 60% of the force’s quarters and barracks and those of the Armed Forces are deemed safe to stay,” he said in his speech during the event with General Operations Forces in Ipoh.Anwar had in July announced a RM150mil allocation for the police force to, among others, refurbish old police quarters and stations and ensure a conducive and comfortable environment for personnel.
