tags - Sinar Daily

National issues that are not handled well such as current political issues, rising prices of goods, targeted subsidy implementation and racial sentiments are seen to potentially affect voter support for the government in the upcoming Kuala Kubu Baharu state by-election on May 11. - BERNAMA FILE PIX

Photo for illustration purpose only. - File photo by Bernama

The implementation of targeted subsidies continues despite 11.55 million people or 52.6 per cent being registered with the Central Database Hub (Padu) system. - Small picture: Chief statistician Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Uzir

Photo for illustration purpose only. - FILE PHOTO by BERNAMA

Economists emphasised that petrol functions as a vital intermediary in the economy, and any price hike will inevitably have ripple effects across sectors, impacting the overall cost of living. Illustrative picture.

Universiti Sains dan Teknologi Malaysia economist Professor Emeritus Dr Barjoyai Bardai said the government could use existing data including from EPF and IRB if the Padu has not been updated yet.

Pix for illustration purpose only. - FILE PIX

Small picture from left: Shazali Abu Mansor, Barjoyai.

Photo for representational purpose only. - Edited via Canva

Pix for illustration purpose only. - Photo by Bernama