KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's inflation rate has steadied and remained below two per cent since July 2023, the Dewan Rakyat heard today.
Deputy Economy Minister Datuk Hanifah Hajar Taib said the inflation rate remained stable at 1.9 per cent in October 2024.
"This rate includes 1.7 per cent in rural areas and 1.8 per cent in urban areas," she said during the minister's question time in the Dewan Rakyat.
Hanifah said this in response to Datuk Dr Richard Rapu @ Aman Anak Begri (GPS-Betong), who enquired about the ministry's plans to address the country's inflation rate, including rising healthcare costs, with a focus on rural areas in Sarawak.
Regarding Sarawak's inflation rate, Hanifah said the state recorded a rate of 2.1 per cent in October 2024, which was higher than the national rate.
She added that the housing group and restaurants and accommodation services drove this rate.
However, she said that health inflation remained at 1.5 per cent.
"The government is committed to ensuring that health inflation remains moderate, including in Sarawak.
"A total of 58 projects by the Health Ministry for Sarawak have been approved under the Fifth Rolling Plan of the 12th Malaysia Plan, with a total cost of RM3.04 billion.
"These projects include the construction of health clinics in Betong, Julau, Sarikei, Nanga Atoi and Saratok, as well as upgrading and developing new clinics across Sarawak.
"These projects will alleviate the cost of living, particularly in rural areas, by providing more affordable and quality healthcare services and reducing transportation costs for rural residents who require access to healthcare facilities," she said.
She added that the government was also committed to mitigating the impact of inflation on the cost of living and increasing the community's income.
This includes the implementation of various initiatives, such as increasing Rahmah Cash Aid from RM10 billion for 2024 to RM13 billion for 2025, she said.