Sugar subsidy not due to elections, says Ismail
BernamaPublished: Jan 29, 2012 10:01 AM | Updated: Jan 29, 2012 10:05 AM
The government bearing the sugar subsidy from 20 sen per kg previously to 54 sen now is not because of the general election, which is expected to be held soon.
The government bearing the sugar subsidy from 20 sen per kg previously to 54 sen now is not because of the general election, which is expected to be held soon.
Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob said the allegation made by the opposition was not true as the measure was to lessen the people's financial burden.
"It is an erroneous accusation because it has nothing to do with the coming elections," he told reporters at the Bera parliamentary constituency Chinese New Year celebration today.
The total sugar subsidy borne by the government increased from RM262.41 million to RM567 million this year and this was to reduce the people's increasing burden.
He said if the sugar subsidy was not increased, the price of the commodity in the market would go up and this would affect the price of other food products.
"If this happens, then there's no point for us trying to lessen the people's financial burden while the prices of goods keep increasing," he said.
The minister did not dismiss the possibility of sugar smuggling to neighbouring countries happening as a result of the price hike of the commmodity in the world market.
He said the ministry would intensify cooperation with enforcement agencies like the Anti-Smuggling Unit and police to curb smuggling.
"What is important is for each Malaysian to feel responsible and love for this country by not getting involved in activities that can have adverse effects on the people and country.
"We must have this realisation in us. Don't sell this country just to make a small, quick profit," he added.
More than 3,000 residents attended the celebration, with the Tengku Mahkota of Pahang, Tengku Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah, and Menteri Besar Adnan Yaakob also present.
- Bernama
Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob said the allegation made by the opposition was not true as the measure was to lessen the people's financial burden.
"It is an erroneous accusation because it has nothing to do with the coming elections," he told reporters at the Bera parliamentary constituency Chinese New Year celebration today.
The total sugar subsidy borne by the government increased from RM262.41 million to RM567 million this year and this was to reduce the people's increasing burden.He said if the sugar subsidy was not increased, the price of the commodity in the market would go up and this would affect the price of other food products.
"If this happens, then there's no point for us trying to lessen the people's financial burden while the prices of goods keep increasing," he said.
The minister did not dismiss the possibility of sugar smuggling to neighbouring countries happening as a result of the price hike of the commmodity in the world market.
He said the ministry would intensify cooperation with enforcement agencies like the Anti-Smuggling Unit and police to curb smuggling.
"What is important is for each Malaysian to feel responsible and love for this country by not getting involved in activities that can have adverse effects on the people and country.
"We must have this realisation in us. Don't sell this country just to make a small, quick profit," he added.
More than 3,000 residents attended the celebration, with the Tengku Mahkota of Pahang, Tengku Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah, and Menteri Besar Adnan Yaakob also present.
- Bernama
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