JOHOR BARU: Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Ministry is working closely with the Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Ministry to keep the prices of goods in check during the festive season.
Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Minister, Salahuddin Ayub, said the Cabinet had decided that the two ministries would take proactive measures by looking for solutions and ensure that consumers would be able to purchase the essentials as Raya draws near.
He said this included ensuring sufficient supplies of items accessible to the public.
“The issue of prices is currently being coordinated by the two relevant ministries. Firstly, we don’t want any shortage of goods and secondly, we want the prices to remain acceptable. Both of the ministries are working hard to achieve this.
“We are continuously monitoring the prices of goods and the supply. Our role is to ensure that all goods are easily accessible to the consumers and are sold at fair prices.
“These are among the tasks assigned to us. The other ministry’s secretary-general was given mandate to carry them out as the minister had yet to be appointed,” he said in a press conference at the distribution of bubur lambuk to Taman Dahlia Ramadan bazaar traders, business operators and visitors yesterday.
Salahuddin, who is Pulai member of parliament, also assured an adequate goods supply during the festive season.
“We have enough supply, based on information from the Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (Fama), as well as the poultry and vegetable farmers. I hope that consumers would be able to purchase the items without issues,” he said.
He said there was currently no restriction imposed on export goods.
“Restriction on exports is among the methods to ensure that we have sufficient supply domestically,” he said.