THE prices of food, goods and services are skyrocketing, Sarawak United People’s Party information chief Adam Yii said, adding that Putrajaya must rein in the inflation.
He said the government must take measures to cut living costs before it introduces the fuel subsidy rationalisation programme is implemented.
SUPP, which is a component of Gabungan Parti Sarawak, urged Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli to be careful about the timing of his proposed fuel rationalisation plan.
Though the federal government has good reason to rationalise petrol and diesel subsidies, it could be wrong to enforce the plan now, he said.
"The people of Sarawak are suffering hardships due to the constant increase in costs of living. The imposition of the increase in the sales and services tax in several sectors (since March) have seen prices skyrocketing,” Yii told The Vibes today.
Newly built houses in Miri cost as much as houses in Kuching because of the escalating costs of building materials, he said.
"Prices of food, goods and services are also surging. Is this the correct time for fuel subsidy removal?
"The economy minister must consider the current situation very carefully before making the subsidy adjustments or else the general rakyat will suffer even more financial burdens.”
Yii is the mayor of Miri .
The government aims to remove general subsidies for fuel so that the aid will reach only the target groups.
"The intention may be good but how will the economy minister ensure that the subsidy rationalisation will not result in even higher prices of goods and services?
"And as usual, the lower- and medium-income earners will always suffer the (brunt of it)."
Yesterday, reports emerged that RON95 petrol and diesel will cost nearly RM3.50 per litre after Putrajaya removes the subsidies.
SUPP has received queries from concerned Sarawakians and have urged the Economy Ministry in Putrajaya to alleviate the fears of the rakyat that is increasing.
SUPP secretary-general Datuk Sebastian Ting said Putrajaya must quickly address the reports to allay the fears of the people.
"In Sarawak, almost everyone depends on petrol and diesel for transport and travel and for power generators in rural areas.
"Even a slight increase in the prices at petrol stations will have a big impact on the people of Sarawak.” – April 19, 2024.
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