Latest news with #JofriJaraiee
Borneo Post
3 days ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
PAS wants S'wak govt to offer B40 targeted subsidies to counter expanded SST's effects
Jofri said the expanded SST, which came into effect on July 1, has impacted various sectors. MIRI (July 7): Parti Islam Se-Malaysia (PAS) Sarawak has called on the state government to review the expanded sales and service tax (SST), especially on essential consumer goods. PAS Sarawak commissioner Jofri Jaraiee said the expanded SST, which came into effect on July 1, has impacted various sectors, including construction and education, directly contributing to higher prices of items such as cement and school supplies. 'Small traders are also affected by increased transportation costs, which in turn drives up the retail prices of consumer goods. 'This situation not only burdens low-income households but also disrupts their daily lives,' he said in a statement today. According to him, PAS Sarawak has received numerous complaints from people of all walks of life, who are now forced to cut back on spending, reduce essential purchases, or incur debt to cope with the rising cost of living. 'The state government should reintroduce targeted subsidies for the B40 group for basic food items and educational needs. 'Additionally, they also should control the prices of construction materials and transportation services, which are vital for rural development,' he proposed. Jofri also called on the state government to establish a special state-level price monitoring mechanism to prevent price manipulation by suppliers or certain parties. 'We hope the government will listen to the people's concerns and take immediate, fair, and prudent action to safeguard the welfare of its citizens,' he added. expanded SST Jofri Jaraiee pas sarawak
Borneo Post
02-05-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Ending egg subsidy will burden B40, small traders, says PAS Sarawak
Jofri describes the timing of the subsidy removal as 'ill-considered', particularly as many are still recovering from the economic aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic and the effects of ongoing inflation. MIRI (May 2): Parti Islam Se-Malaysia (PAS) Sarawak has voiced strong opposition to the federal government's decision to end the egg subsidy beginning this August, citing serious consequences for low-income households and small traders. PAS Sarawak Commissioner Jofri Jaraiee in a statement said the subsidy removal would likely result in higher egg prices, impacting food stall operators, hawkers, and B40 families who rely on eggs as a daily dietary staple. 'We have observed long queues of people just to obtain eggs at affordable prices. 'This highlights the essential role eggs play in the daily lives of Malaysians and how even slight price increases can significantly affect them,' he said. Jofri described the timing of the subsidy removal as 'ill-considered', particularly as many are still recovering from the economic aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic and the effects of ongoing inflation. He urged the government to reconsider the decision and proposed several alternatives, including targeted subsidies for the B40 income group and small business operators, incentives for local egg producers to boost domestic supply, stricter monitoring of the supply chain to prevent price manipulation, and open consultations with stakeholders including producers, distributors, and consumer representatives. 'The current policy risks benefiting only a select few while the broader population bears the consequences,' he said, while calling on the government to ensure that all decisions prioritise the welfare of the people. 'Let us unite in rejecting policies that burden the people and call for social justice and public welfare to be the foundation of national decision-making.' B40 egg subsidy Jofri Jaraiee pas sarawak small businesses
