Detailed Mechanism on Targeted Subsidies to be Announced After Mid-2023, Says Deputy Minister

Details on the mechanism and policy for the implementation of targeted subsidies are expected to be announced after the middle of this year with a workshop on the matter already implemented, said Deputy Minister of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Fuziah Salleh.

"One of the things we are looking at is increasing the quota, how to ensure that people who are eligible receive [subsidies]. Now we use bulk subsidy, it is sold near the store.

"If it (subsidy) is targeted, it (subsidised goods) may not be sold in shops anymore," she said when winding up the Ministry's Supply Bill 2023 at the Dewan Rakyat on Thursday (March 16).

She said the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) also takes seriously the issue of leakages of subsidised cooking oil packets which are becoming more sophisticated.

According to her, KPDN is looking into strengthening the enforcement section under the ministry to make it a department, in line with current needs.

The Dewan Rakyat then passed an allocation of RM1.19 billion for KPDN in Budget 2023 at the committee stage via a majority voice vote.

The Dewan will sit again on Monday.

Source: Bernama