KUALA LUMPUR: The government will reassess its phased plan to retarget subsidies for essential goods, including sugar, rice, and cooking oil, to ensure assistance reaches those who truly need it, Deputy Finance Minister Lim Hui Ying said.
She said the review aims to prevent leakages and strengthen the overall efficiency of Malaysia’s subsidy delivery system.
“Regarding subsidies such as sugar, rice, and cooking oil for targeted groups, the government will review the gradual and phased implementation of retargeting subsidy assistance for these goods,” Lim told the Dewan Rakyat today.
The government targets subsidies in the country to ensure that financial aid reaches low-income groups.
She was responding to a question by Bukit Bendera Member of Parliament Syerleena Abdul, who asked whether the government had any plans to expand targeted subsidies to include these essential food items.
Lim said current efforts were focused on ensuring the smooth implementation of fuel subsidy programmes such as diesel and Budi95, which form the foundation for broader subsidy restructuring.
“To ensure that subsidised goods reach the intended groups, the government has intensified enforcement through continuous and integrated operations with other agencies, especially Op Tiris, which targets manipulation and leakages,” she added.
Lim said the government would also ensure the availability of affordable essential food items at every Jualan Rahmah Madani sales series nationwide.
Budi95 has been implemented in stages since Sept 27, with Malaysians aged 16 and above who have a MyKad and an active driving licence eligible to enjoy the RON95 petrol subsidy at RM1.99 per litre, with an eligibility limit of up to 300 litres per month.
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