7 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Claims of LPG subsidy withdrawal inaccurate and misleading, says Armizan
KUALA LUMPUR: Claims by certain quarters that the government will abolish or withdraw the liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) subsidy are inaccurate and misleading, said Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali.
He said the ministry had been entrusted with addressing LPG leakages through fraud and smuggling and would never withdraw, reduce or abolish the subsidy.
"In fact, the government remains committed to providing LPG subsidies to the people, as the subsidy is meant for consumers, specifically to support household kitchens.
"At the same time, the government is aware that the business sector, particularly micro and small enterprises operating food and beverage establishments, requires assistance as they provide food services to the public.
"As such, the government is always open to allowing the micro and small business sectors to continue benefiting from the subsidy, while ensuring that prices remain affordable for the people," he said in response to Young Syefura Othman (PH-Bentong) in the Dewan Rakyat.
Young Syefura had asked whether the government intended to withdraw the subsidy, as had been suggested by certain quarters.
He added that the legal aspects, specifically the use of LPG by small traders, would be detailed in the amendment to the Supply Control (Prohibition of Import) Regulations 2021.
"This is to ensure clarity of the law within the control mechanism, while at the same time continuing to allow households and micro and small traders to benefit from the LPG subsidy."
On the amendment, he said the ministry is conducting engagement sessions to gather recommendations and views from various parties to finalise the proposed amendments to the act.
"The government will ensure that control and enforcement aspects are strengthened while continuing to provide subsidies to the people."
