Goods' price hike due to targeted diesel subsidies - Umno Youth

Umno Youth has claimed that the increase in the price of goods was due to the implementation of the targeted diesel subsidies that began on June 10.

Its chief Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh said his party took seriously the implementation of the policy, which he labelled as a hasty move.

“We support the targeted subsidy policy but of course, it needs to be done in stages,” he said.

Akmal said this today at a press conference after chairing the Umno Youth leadership meeting at WTC Kuala Lumpur.

According to him, the withdrawal of subsidies during the administration of former prime minister Najib Abdul Razak was implemented in stages to reduce the economic impact on the people.

"When Najib was prime minister, subsidies were withdrawn little by little because we (the government) understood the state of the country's economy, we knew the impact on the country's economy.

"So, we (Umno Youth) suggest to the government today, targeting of subsidies should be carried out in stages so that the economic impact can be seen and reduced," Akmal said.

The Merlimau assemblyperson said the government also need to facilitate the provision of subsidies to target groups and ensure any assistance can be delivered quickly.

In addition, he also requested that the government increase enforcement against diesel smuggling activities.

"The economy minister's statement stated (there is) a leak, so we request the relevant agencies to take immediate action.

"If it is still happening today (leakage), what guarantee can the minister give? If we withdraw the subsidy, is there a guarantee that this leakage will not happen?" he added.

Mobilising 5,000 for Sungai Bakap

For the Sungai Bakap by-election, Akmal said Umno Youth will mobilise over 5,000 members and voters to help the government candidate, starting with nominations tomorrow.

"We have asked the Penang Umno Youth chief to work with the government machinery there, particularly for closed-door meetings with Umno members and voters.

“We have over 5,0000 members in Sungai Bakap, so InsyaAllah we will help the unity government candidate," he said.

Ahead of nominations, BN-Pakatan Harapan announced Joohari Ariffin from PKR as their candidate, while Perikatan Nasional named Nibong Tebal PAS vice-chief Abidin Ismail.

The Sungai Bakap seat, with 39,279 voters comprising 39,222 ordinary electors and 57 police officers, fell vacant following the death of its incumbent Nor Zamri Latiff from PAS on May 24 due to stomach inflammation.

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