'When will the government appoint KPDN Minister?' - Syed Saddiq

JOHOR BAHRU - Muda president Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman has urged the government to immediately appoint the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry (KPDN) Minister.

He pointed out that it has been almost three months since the ministry has yet to have a minister to manage various affairs.

"When will they appoint the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister?

"Are they expecting the Prime Minister to hit the ground daily? This is basic.

"There's not only rice problem but a triple threat of rice, sugar and also packet oil price control," he told a press conference here yesterday.

Syed Saddiq stressed that the appointment of a minister is crucial to managing the rising cost of living, especially the prices of rice, sugar, and packet oil.

He noted that until these items are price-controlled in the market, the people will be affected by the sudden increase in the cost of living even though the national inflation rate is controlled between two to three per cent.

Meanwhile, the Muar MP also demanded an explanation regarding the issue of the lack or absence of rice supply in the market at the moment.

Based on his survey at supermarkets, factories, and wholesalers, he said that what happened on the ground and what had been displayed by the media were two different scenarios.

"It turned out that the two are very different. Let me give an example; reports implied that supermarkets received 200 bags of local 10kg rice with a price control of RM26, but when I came over, they said that they had only received 10 to 20 bags of rice, so that needs an explanation," he added.