KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has given two weeks to relevant ministries and agencies to analyse issues related to subsidies involving the rakyat.
This, he said, was necessary as the subsidy provided at the moment was not targeted and was also enjoyed by those who were rich, as well as industry players.
"The provision of subsidies to the people should be implemented in a targeted manner to ensure it is enjoyed by the groups that deserve it.
"I have no problem with subsidies for the people, it is just that it should be targeted.
"If not, the fuel price, for example, is enjoyed by the poor and the rich.
"Therefore, I am giving two weeks to analyse all the implications and discuss with the private sector, and investors so that they understand the purpose of the subsidy is to alleviate the burden of the poor.
"Other facilities, incentives for companies will also be improved so that it does not become a burden for them because they are used to subsidies," he said.
Anwar told this to reporters after chairing the 2022 National Action Council on the Cost of Living (NACCOL) special meeting at Perdana Putra here today.
He said that once the cabinet was formed, the relevant ministers would then discuss their findings with the respective officers and the agencies under their purview.
"The results will be presented in a cabinet meeting," he said.
At the same press conference, Anwar said he was proud of the commitment shown by the civil servants, who attended the meeting in such a short notice.
"It is good as all ministries, director-generals, Chief Secretary of the Government, and Bank Negara Malaysia governor attended the meeting despite today being a weekend.
"I express my pride with the civil servants as they are not appreciated by the people," he said.
Among those who were present at the meeting include Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Mohd Zuki Ali, Bank Negara Malaysia governor Tan Sri Nor Shamsiah Mohd Yunus, and officers from the Statistics Department, Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry, Finance Ministry, Agriculture and Food Industries Ministry and Energy and Natural Resources Ministry.