To bolster economic transparency, Malaysia’s Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring clear pricing for medicines. This initiative aims to empower consumers with knowledge about the affordability of essential medications.
Key Highlights:
- The Prime Minister stresses the need for transparent medicine pricing, allowing consumers to make informed decisions.
- The National Action Council on Cost of Living (Naccol) Committee meeting highlighted the government’s awareness of the public’s need for competitively priced medicines.
- Despite a drop in the inflation rate to 2%, the lowest in nearly two years, initiatives like Payung Rahmah and Madani Agro Sales will continue in collaboration with state governments.
- Concerns arise over potential sugar supply disruptions due to global raw sugar price hikes.
- Discussions on price control for standard chicken and eggs, implemented since February of the previous year, are ongoing.
- Efforts are underway to streamline rice distribution to rural areas, with a focus on locally produced white rice.
- Transaction fees for the DuitNow QR code will be waived for small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
- At the Khazanah Megatrends Forum (KMF) 2023, Anwar emphasized the importance of clear policies to instill confidence in both foreign and domestic investors.
The Prime Minister’s statement underscores the government’s dedication to addressing the cost of living challenges faced by the public. By ensuring transparent pricing for essential commodities like medicines, the government aims to foster an environment of trust and reliability.
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Furthermore, Anwar highlighted the government’s proactive approach in addressing potential disruptions in the supply chain, such as the rising global price of raw sugar. Such measures are indicative of the government’s foresight in ensuring the nation’s economic stability.