TAWAU, April 9 — The Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs (KPDNHEP) is working to improve the subsidy distribution mechanism while looking for other alternatives to reduce leakage.
His Deputy Minister Datuk Rosol Wahid said the ministry had received reports through social media that subsidized goods such as cooking gas cylinders were being sold in the neighboring country.
“This should not have happened. Here the 14kg gas cylinders are sold for only RM26 each but there the price could go up to RM70. The price of RM26 is due to the subsidy given by the government, but it also led to leaks.
“We are looking at all aspects and will consider ways to reduce leakage, including giving the grant directly to the target group, as currently it is given directly to the products.”
He told reporters after inspecting the effectiveness of the price normalization program as well as the controlled and subsidized goods distribution area at Kampung Sungai Tongkang and Kampung Mentadak in Pulau Sebatik near here today.
Rosol said the ministry is also considering several options, such as using a holographic chip on gas cylinders to help detect objects.
“This year, the government has allocated RM680 million for the Price Normalization Scheme, Cooking Oil Price Stabilization Scheme and General Purpose Wheat Flour Subsidy.
“We need to see if these options can be used for trial and error projects and if they are effective or not. What is important is that the RM680 million spent by the government does not go to the wrong parties,” he said.
Meanwhile, Rosol said the establishment of the Customs, Immigration, Quarantine and Security Complex in Pulau Sebatik and Kalabakan was crucial to help law enforcement officers tackle irregularities. and smuggling of subsidized goods. — Bernama
