KENINGAU: The increase in fuel prices by 20 sen, as announced by the government recently, is to help the poor, needy people and for development purposes, said Assistant Agriculture and Food Industry Minister Datuk Haji Sairin Karno.
He said this is a good government initiative by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Najib Tun Abdul Razak to target the lower income group besides ensuring funds are available for development.
“The government is still giving a subsidy for RON 95 and for diesel, and I believe this price increase of 20 sen will not be a big problem for the lower income group,” he said during his speech at the Hari Raya gathering held at the youth arena here yesterday.
He called on traders and dealers not to take advantage of the increase in the prices of fuel as this would antagonize people against the Barisan Nasional (BN) government.
The government’s move to increase fuel prices is to return the money to the people through the implementation of development projects to make it convenient for the people and to help the less fortunate.
Sairin said the government would have thought of the implication before raising the fuel prices.
“The government has made long-term planning for the economic well-being of the country and also for the welfare of the people. But we do not want certain parties to exaggerate this issue, especially in the social media to spread negative information on the government’s noble efforts,” he said.
He also asked the Enforcement Division of the Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Ministry to monitor business premises to prevent any increase in daily necessities.
According to him, the ministry should not wait for any complaint from consumers before acting and to continue monitoring and inspecting to ensure no increase in the price of essential commodities.
On the Hari Raya gathering, Sairin said it would give an opportunity for special children to spend Hari Raya with parents, the center management and staff of the Department of Community Services.
Sairin also called on all parties concerned to continue to give support to the center and to assist in helping with child care. He also asked parents with special children to register and send their children to the center so that their welfare will continue to be taken care of.
Also present at the event were assistant director of Department of Social Services, Ahmad Razali Salibin, assistant district development officer, Jeffrus Mimin Rijan, Keningau Umno Wanita chief Amelia Adjunct, Keningau Umno Puteri chief Junaidah Sapli and chairman of the centre, Asnah Atu.