Govt always intervened to help people face rising cost of living

BERA: The 'Sentuhan Rakyat' sale programme which sells daily necessities at low prices is a clear proof that the government has never let the people face the rising cost of living on their own.
Rural and Regional Development Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said although there was no denying the rise in prices of goods today, the government also 'intervened' to ensure that the people were not burdened with the issue.
He said when the rising cost of living issue arises, the government cannot control it entirely because as a country that practices free market, prices are determined by demand and supply.
"However, the government that we have today is a responsible one, we do not completely leave it to the user to determine the price fluctuation, but the government also intervenes.
"For example, the Price Control Scheme during the festive seasons, Kedai Rakyat 1Malaysia and the 'Sentuhan Rakyat' sales are among government efforts to ensure the welfare of the people continues to be taken care of," he told reporters after launching the 'Sentuhan Rakyat' sales programme at the Bera parliamentary constituency here today.
At the programme held at the Bera District Umno Office, a total of 30 daily necessities including eggs, milk, sugar, rice, ketchup and chicken were priced cheaper than at the market to attract more than 2,000 people from the nearby areas.
Ismail Sabri, who is also Member of Parliament for Bera, said findings showed that the sales programme received an overwhelming response from the people, especially those in rural areas and low-income groups.
"But we cannot have a programme like this too often, more than twice a month because it will affect other retail traders," he said.
Meanwhile, a housewife Siti Sanah Sulaiman, 50, from Felda Tementi was very happy that such a programme was also held in Bera.
"The price is cheap and affordable when compared to the market price, for example fresh chicken in the market and shop is sold at RM7.50/kg, but here it is sold at RM6.5/kg, she said. — Bernama