Factors such as number of dependents and employment status will be taken into account in determining a household’s eligibility and quantum of RON95 fuel subsidies, says the Deputy Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister.
Fuziah Salleh said the indicators include the Basic Living Expenses Statistics (PAKW) and the Cost of Living Index (IKSH) that have been developed by the Statistics Department.
“All aspects related to expenses are taken into account. Regarding RON95, if subsidy targeting is implemented, it will undoubtedly have an impact on households that rely on RON95.
“In the study developed by the Statistics Department, on which the ministry was 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 told the Dewan Rakyat yesterday in response to Azahari Hasan (PN-Padang Rengas).
Last week, the Statistics Department 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.
Earlier, in response to Azahari’s primary question regarding the ministry’s plans to address the rising prices of goods, Fuziah said the government will 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 leakage of subsidised cooking oil packets, Fuziah said the government is taking strict action against traders found to be misusing these 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.
“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.
