Faced with furor over its decision to cut fuel subsidies close to Hari Raya Aidiladha, the government has taken pains to say no time is a good time to make an unpopular decision.

Attempting to quell the ire in a lengthy 'Q and A' on its Facebook page, Domestic Trade, Co-operatives and Consumerism Ministry said that even if it had waited, there will be no let-up in the griping.

Corresponding, it said, waiting until after Hari Raya which falls on Oct 5, will not make it any less painful for the people.

"If it is done after Hari Raya Haji, some may ask why it is done before Deepavali.

"If it is done after Deepavali, it might affect the Christmas celebration.

"Whatever it is, the ministry understands that the rakyat will be burdened by the subsidy rationalisation," it said, in a candid response to criticism flooding social media following the rise in RON95 pump prices.

Many had questioned the timing of the hike as it comes just before a long Hari Raya weekend which will see many heading back to their hometowns from urban centres.

Nothing to do with P Kubor

Meanwhile, the ministry also refuted insinuations that the fuel price hike was postponed to ensure a victory for the BN government in the Pengkalan Kubor by-election.

"The subsidy rationalisation plan has long been planned without expecting any by-election to be held."

The RON95 price for petrol and diesel went up by 20 sen on Oct 2. They are now priced at RM2.30 per litre and RM2.20 per litre respectively.

The ministry said that the move is in line with the government’s policy of subsidy rationalisation "to ensure that the country has a strong financial position".

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