SELAMA: The cabinet has agreed on the working paper submitted by the Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Ministry on the proposed structure of the National Cost of Living Action Council.
Its minister Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin said the action council would focus on five clusters which are education, transportation, utility, food and beverages as well as housing.
He said his ministry will seek the approval of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak to set a date for the council’s meeting.
“The five clusters would be chaired by several professionals. Each ministry’s chief secretary will also be directly involved together with soon-to-be-appointed NGOs.
“We will also discuss the matter at the supreme council which comprises the minister, NGOs and academicians to study in detail the various input and responsibilities of the council,” he said after visiting the Kubu Gajah ‘Karnival Jualan Rakyat’.
The set-up of the action council was announced by Hamzah at the Umno General Assembly last December. The move formed part of the ministry’s initiatives to ease the high cost of living.
The establishment of the action council, which was previously suggested by Sabah Umno representative Jamawi Jaafar, had received the approval of Najib. It will be chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.