KUALA LUMPUR: Employment status and number of dependents will be among cost-of-living indicators used to design a new way to distribute RON95 fuel subsidies, says Fuziah Salleh.
The Deputy Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister said that these indicators will be considered as aspects of a household’s expenses.
“Regarding RON95, if subsidy targeting is implemented, it will undoubtedly have an impact on households that rely on RON95,” she told the Dewan Rakyat on Monday (Nov 18).
Fuziah added that the Basic Living Expenses Statistics (PAKW) and the Cost of Living Index (IKSH) developed by the Statistics Department (DOSM) will also incorporate such indicators.
“In the studies developed by DOSM, in which the Ministry was also briefed, indicators such as dependents and cost of living are indeed considered.
“This means that factors like owning two cars, both husband and wife being employed, having young children in school, or children attending university are all part of the cost of living indicators,” she said.
Fuziah said this in response to a supplementary question by Azahari Hasan (PN-Padang Rengas) in the Lower House.
Last week, DOSM introduced new statistics for cost of living indicators, including PAKW and IKSH, aimed at guiding policy planning and serving as a reference for the public to plan and manage their finances and expenses.
Earlier, in response to Azahari’s primary question regarding the Ministry’s plans to address rising goods prices, Fuziah said the government would continue the Rahmah Sales Programme and Agro Madani initiative to offer low-cost goods next year.
“These Rahmah Sales will be held twice a month in every state assembly constituency,” she said.
Addressing a supplementary question from Khoo Poay Tiong (PH-Kota Melaka) on the issue of subsidised cooking oil leakage, Fuziah said the government is taking strict action against traders found to be misusing subsidised cooking oil packets.
According to her, a total of 60 million subsidised cooking oil packets are produced every month.
“Therefore, strict enforcement is crucial to prevent leakage of subsidised goods, particularly cooking oil packets,” she said.
“However, some parties still take advantage, such as using subsidised cooking oil in restaurants.
“This will be tackled vigorously, and it is the responsibility of our enforcement teams. We will ensure no leakages occur,” she added
