BY LOH FOON FONG AND NEVILLE SPYKERMAN
PETALING JAYA: Consumer groups are backing the possible hike in sugar and flour prices as long as the needs of the poor are safeguarded, claiming that the liberal use of these items has led poor health.
According to Consumers Association of Penang president S.M. Mohamed Idris, CAP had been calling for the total removal of Government subsidies for both sugar and flour for some time.
“These subsidies are making Malaysians unhealthy,” he said. “The money saved from the subsidies should be channelled directly to those who need them.”
On Monday, Domestic Trade, Co-operatives and Consumerism Minister Datuk Hasan Malek said consumers should brace for a possible hike in sugar and flour prices if the Government decided to further reduce subsidies.
Idris argued that consumers who pay between RM200 and RM300 on monthly cellphone bills should not be complaining about paying a bit more for sugar and flour.
Fomca deputy president Muhammad Sha’ani Abdullah said subsidies should be gradually removed as they were distorting the market, pointing out that those who didn’t need them were benefiting from these.
He said the money saved could be put to better use such as on public transportation, housing and education.
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