KUALA LUMPUR (July 11): The government has given assurances that the prices of essential goods, especially subsidised items, will not see an extreme rise this year.

Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Seri Salahuddin Ayub said this includes the prices of controlled items, such as sugar, and non-controlled items like bottled cooking oil, which are constantly monitored by the ministry.

“The ministry has the responsibility to monitor the prices of essential goods for the people on a daily basis, and so far, our observations have shown that the prices of subsidised items like eggs, chicken, RON 95 petrol, and diesel have never gone up, and are unlikely to go up.

“Subsidised cooking oil in packets is still being priced at RM2.50. Similarly, the price of bottled cooking oil has also seen no increase. In fact, some are selling [at prices] lower than the ceiling price,” he told reporters after checking out the prices of goods at a hypermarket here on Tuesday (July 11).

Salahuddin said his ministry had not received any complaints regarding the prices of consumer goods so far, hence refuting claims by several parties about price hikes.

However, Salahuddin urged the public to report to the ministry if they encounter any price hikes involving essential goods in supermarkets or grocery stores.

“Report it directly to the ministry, and we will take immediate action,” he said, while also advising the public not to be easily influenced by any of the opposition’s claims in view of the upcoming election for six states.

On media reports about a projected 20% increase in the prices of goods in October, Salahuddin said his ministry is aware of the matter, and will continue monitoring the situation, especially the prices of staples.

The 20% increase was projected due to two main factors, namely import inflation and the rising cost of business operations in Malaysia.