PUTRAJAYA: Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism minister Datuk Hamzah Zainuddin said more members comprising industry players, experts and professionals will be included in the newly established National Cost of Living Action Council.
He said the appointment of professionals and experts from the economy, transport and education as well as non-governmental organisations (NGOs) was pertinent to enable holistic discussion and deliberation on the cost of living in the country.
Among the matters which will be discussed were factors contributing to inflation in the country.
Hamzah said these factors involved issues on housing, transportation, utilities as well as on food and beverages.
"Another sector which will be given focus at the meeting is education. We will delve into this sector further," he said today.
The establishment of the council was announced at the 2017 Umno General Assembly at Putra World Trade Centre last week to address issues involving cost of living.
The council which will be chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, and Hamzah would act as the council's secretary.
On when the council would convene its first meeting, Hamzah said after the 'terms of reference' of the council were finalised.
"We are currently and discussing the terms of reference and hope it could be brought to the council in the first week of January," he said.
Hamzah was met during the ministry's monthly assembly here.
He said beginning Jan 1, the ministry's officers have been tasked to go to the ground to meet the people.
"This is to explain on issues of consumerism and consumer rights as well as cost of living.
"This will be made part of the officers key performance indicator (KPI)," he added.