Latest news with #DomesticTradeandCostofLivingMinistry
The Star
5 hours ago
- Business
- The Star
New app to tackle cooking oil subsidy abuse
KUALA LUMPUR: The Mobile eCOSS (Cooking Oil Stabilisation Scheme) Application will be able to provide data on the demand of cooking oil to curb smuggling and subsidy leakages, says Datuk Seri Armizan Ali ( pic ). The Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry said the data will also help in deciding government policy in ensuring the delivery of cooking oil subsidy. 'We didn't have the exact updated data on the usage of cooking oil, but with eCOSS, we will have the purchase data. 'From here, than we can draft the way forward policy to target cooking oil subsidies to those who are eligible,' he said when wrapping up his ministerial replies when debating the Auditor-General's Report in Dewan Rakyat, a first in Parliament. Armizan also said that his ministry has initiated a pilot project on the app in Johor in May. He added that the mobile app would also allow the government to monitor sales of cooking oil to foreigners. 'The application will be rolled out gradually, ensuring system stability before full implementation. 'Through the Mobile eCOSS App, retail purchase data will be recorded, allowing the ministry to monitor retailer sales records and consumer purchase data, including identities based on National Registration Department records. 'This strategy enables monitoring and enforcement against sales and purchases exceeding limits or to foreigners,' he added. The latest A-G report found that the current policy on subsidised cooking oil is not comprehensive and has allowed non-targeted groups, including non-citizens, to benefit from the subsidy. The department said the existing framework under COSS lacked clear eligibility requirements for the purchase of subsidised cooking oil, with the Auditor-General recommending that the ministry improve its COSS guidelines to tackle leakages.
The Star
a day ago
- Business
- The Star
Govt taking steps to keep food price hikes in check after SST expansion, Dewan Rakyat told
KUALA LUMPUR: The government is taking heightened measures to control living costs given the higher food inflation rate, says Deputy Finance Minister Lim Hui Ying. She said the average food inflation rate is at 2.1%, higher than the overall inflation rate which was at 1.1% as of June. 'We expected... an increase in the cost of food or cost of living owing to the expansion of sales and service tax (SST). 'The government, through the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry, will continuously monitor food prices to ensure (they) are controlled, especially essential items,' she said during Question Time in the Dewan Rakyat on Wednesday (July 23). Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin (PN-Larut) had asked the ministry to explain the measures taken to control food prices that did not reflect the inflation rate. Lim explained that while the food inflation rate is at 2.1%, some places in the country might have higher rates because of other factors. Earlier, she also said the government has outlined several assistance and subsidy programmes to reduce the burden on the people. She said this included higher Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah, which had increased from RM10bil to RM13bil, benefitting nine million Malaysians. 'The allocation for assistance under the Social Welfare Department for this year has also increased to RM2.9bil from RM2.4bil. 'The government has also allocated RM1bil to more broadly address the cost of living, including controlling the prices of basic commodities such as rice and cooking oil. "This includes the Payung Rahmah Programme, for which RM300mil has been allocated this year," she added. Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!
The Sun
2 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
No price hikes in Kelantan after SST adjustment, says KPDN
KOTA BHARU: The Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry (KPDN) in Kelantan has reported no price increases following the Sales and Service Tax (SST) adjustment implemented on July 1. State director Azman Ismail stated that inspections under 'Op Kesan 4.0' have monitored 195 essential items across 39 premises. 'Our focus remains on SST-exempt goods like fresh produce and canned foods to prevent unjustified price hikes,' Azman said during a media briefing at PKT Supermarket in Pasir Tumboh. 'No complaints or enforcement actions have been recorded so far.' The ministry will continue monitoring the supply chain from manufacturers to retailers to deter exploitation of the SST adjustment. Azman added that Ops Kesan 4.0 targets SST-affected items, registered businesses, compliance timelines, and profit margins to curb profiteering. Regarding reports of subsidised cooking oil being resold to food operators, Azman clarified that no formal complaints have been lodged, though investigations are ongoing. 'To address leakages, we are testing an app in Sabah, Johor, and Selangor to regulate purchases. Once implemented, it will track Kelantan's 2,300-metric-tonne quota,' he said. - Bernama
The Sun
2 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
Govt reaffirms LPG subsidy for households and F&B businesses
KUALA LUMPUR: The government has reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining the liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) subsidy, ensuring continued support for households and small food and beverage businesses. Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali dismissed rumours of subsidy removal, calling them misleading. 'The mandate given to the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry is to address leakages like misappropriation and smuggling, not to withdraw or abolish the LPG subsidy,' Armizan said during a Dewan Rakyat session. He was responding to a question from Young Syefura Othman (PH-Bentong) regarding concerns over subsidy discontinuation. Armizan clarified that while the subsidy primarily benefits consumers, micro and small F&B businesses serving the public will also retain access. 'The government remains open to allowing these businesses to benefit, but food prices must remain reasonable, not premium,' he added. To strengthen oversight, the government will amend the Control of Supplies Regulations 2021, formally recognising eligible businesses. 'These controls will ensure subsidies reach intended recipients—households and small traders,' Armizan said. - Bernama
New Straits Times
2 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Govt saves RM135mil in three months from egg subsidy cut
KUALA LUMPUR: The reduction of the egg subsidy from 10 sen to 5 sen has allowed the government to save RM135 million over the three months since May 1, ahead of its full discontinuation on August 1, said Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu. He said the reduction and eventual removal of the egg subsidy is not expected to affect the stability of the egg supply, as the industry is currently showing positive trends, including a drop in poultry feed costs. "The retargeting of subsidies and removal of price controls on eggs will enable the government to reduce expenditure and reallocate subsidy funds to initiatives and programmes that provide direct benefits to the people," he said in reply to Datuk Seri Sh Mohmed Puzi Sh Ali (BN-Pekan). Sh Mohmed Puzi was asked about the retargeting of the egg subsidy from 10 sen to 5 sen per egg, the savings through the reduction in subsidy expenditure, the impact on the egg market, and the effect on the overall cost of living. Mohamad said at present, the supply of chicken eggs remains stable and is being sold at reasonable prices. He said this month, the estimated monthly egg production is 1.75 billion eggs, while domestic consumption needs are estimated at 1.06 billion eggs. "This indicates a surplus of approximately 0.69 billion eggs, part of which will be allocated for export markets." He said the annual inflation rate for chicken eggs recorded a decline of 5.3 per cent in May. "However, this decrease has not occurred uniformly across all egg grades, likely due to a market price adjustment phase following the implementation of targeted subsidies." He said to ensure egg supply and prices remain stable, the ministry, together with the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry, will continue close monitoring of the egg market to prevent supply disruptions and profiteering that could burden consumers. "Both ministries are also carrying out continuous enforcement and monitoring measures to maintain price stability and prevent any leakages that may undermine consumer interests."
