Minister: Malaysia’s government would maintain inflation in check

MALAYSIA: Minister Tan Sri Annuar Musa said that the government’s Special Task Force on Jihad Against Inflation will work to keep Malaysia’s inflation rate low and manageable to protect the well-being of Malaysian families.

Annuar, the chairman of the task team, said they will focus on all prices of goods and services that could contribute to a rise in the inflation rate, excluding poultry, eggs, and cooking oil.

Following the task force’s first meeting, he made this statement at a news conference, which was attended by Minister of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi and the Chief Secretary of the Government Tan Sri Mohd Zuki Ali.

Premier Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob declared yesterday that the Cabinet has agreed to launch a special task group for Malaysian households dealing with rising living costs.

Ismail Sabri stated that the main function of the special task force is to gather all information from ministries, agencies, and the public, and to formulate strategies and coordinate actions to resolve issues related to inflation, especially in controlling price hikes more efficiently and effectively..

In addition to Nanta and Mohd Zuki, the task team included Finance Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz, Agriculture and Food Industries Minister Datuk Seri Ronald Kiandee, and Prime Minister’s Department (Economy) Minister Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed.

A joint task force has been established, and it will be enlarged if necessary, according to Annuar.

Despite rising inflation rates around the world, according to Annuar, Malaysia still has one of the lowest rates in the world, at 2.8%.

In response to the question of whether or not the task force’s formation would be redundant, Annuar stated that the task force would be submitting its reports and findings to the Cabinet and the National Action Council on Cost of Living (NACCOL).

Chairman of the prime minister-chaired National Advisory Committee on Climate Change (NACCOL). In addition, the Cabinet meets every Wednesday to discuss the issues affecting the people, he said.