By Dayangku Hidayatul
KUCHING, March 13: The Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) is stepping up monitoring efforts to safeguard market stability following the federal government’s decision to maintain the subsidised RON95 petrol price at RM1.99 per litre despite global oil price volatility driven by the ongoing conflict in West Asia.
KPDN Deputy Minister Datuk Dr Fuziah Salleh said the ministry is taking precautionary measures to prevent supply disruptions and unjustified price increases.
“Regarding the conflict in West Asia, precautionary measures are being taken at various levels, as announced by the Prime Minister (Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim).
“From KPDN’s side, we will activate Ops Pantau to continuously monitor the situation on the ground if there are any effects on prices or supply,” she told reporters during a working visit to Emart Matang supermarket today.
Her remarks came after Anwar announced that the Cabinet had decided to retain the subsidised RON95 price under the Budi95 initiative despite rising global oil prices linked to supply chain disruptions in the Middle East.
Fuziah said KPDN would take swift action if unusual price hikes occur, particularly those related to transportation costs.
“If transportation costs increase, it does not mean prices should rise excessively. Therefore, we are monitoring closely to ensure traders do not take advantage of the situation,” she said.
She added that current stock levels, estimated to last about two months, remain sufficient to help wholesalers and retailers maintain stability in the domestic market.
According to her, Ops Pantau inspections will continue nationwide to curb profiteering and ensure the government’s efforts to shield consumers from global price pressures remain effective. — DayakDaily
