Putrajaya's inability to control the price of basic necessities should be blamed for the rising cost of living, instead of pointing fingers at the Chinese community, said PAS.

In a press release today, PAS information chief Mahfuz Omar noted that the federal government was in control of the price of public transport, electricity tariff, flour, sugar, cooking oil and cooking gas.

"PAS demands that the federal government set an example by reducing the prices of goods and services under their control.

"Up until now, the government has not stated any plans to do so.

"Does this mean Ismail Sabri Yaakob wants the public to boycott the Malaysian government for failing to reduce the price of controlled goods?" he asked.

Yesterday, Ismail Sabri - who is the agriculture and agro-based industries minister - posted a Facebook status, urging Malays to boycott Chinese businesses for refusing to slash prices despite falling fuel prices.

He also claimed that this measure would help prevent the Chinese from "oppressing" the Malay community who make up the majority.

Mahfuz said that it appeared as though Putrajaya was now looking for scapegoats after failing to keep tabs on rising cost of living.