Demanding action: Dr Wee speaking at the Dewan Rakyat in Kuala Lumpur. — Bernama
KUALA LUMPUR: The Statistics Department’s (DOSM) data seems too good to be true compared with the reality where prices of goods are still increasing, says Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong.
“When we mention 1.9% inflation rate, you should try asking the people if the price of roti john or murtabak has risen or not? I have to humbly admit it has gone up,” the Ayer Hitam MP told the Dewan Rakyat yesterday.
“Whether we accept it or not, the truth is there.”
He said the service tax on logistics services was 6% last year even though the F&B was exempted from the 8% SST tax and the reason was because SST continued to be used.
“I’m not saying the government does not need to do a rationalisation of subsidies, I understand the constraints faced by the government,” he said.
Dr Wee proposed that the government use a levy on vehicles based on the value of the vehicle.
He said as the people’s spokesman he was only looking to practical solutions.
Dr Wee was responding to Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli who said the increase in food prices had been under control while winding up his ministerial speech on the Supply Bill 2025.
Rafizi said the government of the day had been the most successful in controlling the price increase of food and beverages since 2011.
He said the only time where the hike was lower than current levels was between July 2018 and May 2019 when the GST was abolished.
Rafizi said several MPs had stated that the prices of food had increased by 30%.
