Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has announced a reduction in the prices of Grade A, B, and C chicken eggs by three sen across Malaysia, effective immediately. This measure aims to alleviate the financial burden on Malaysians amidst rising living costs. Consequently, consumers in the peninsula will now pay 42 sen for a Grade A egg, 40 sen for Grade B, and 38 sen for Grade C.
The price adjustment also extends to Sabah, Sarawak, and the Federal Territory of Labuan, where the retail prices will be modified according to the designated division and zone. Anwar emphasized that this price cut underscores the government’s dedication to addressing the cost of living challenges and ensuring the affordability of essential food items.
In his statement, Anwar, who also serves as the finance minister, revealed that the government’s current 10 sen per egg subsidy for public consumption will involve an expenditure of RM100 million. This is a significant reduction from the RM927 million subsidy provided in 2023. Anwar reassured the public that the government remains committed to tackling the cost of living issues in a proactive and efficient manner, striving to mitigate the adverse effects on the daily lives of Malaysians.
Additionally, the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Costs of Living has been actively conducting Ops Tiris since March 1 of the previous year. This operation aims to prevent the diversion of diesel fuel subsidies, which have been benefiting ineligible parties. By December 31, the ministry had seized 6,441,118 litres of diesel valued at RM14,208,824.00.
Ops Tiris 3.0 is currently in progress, with an expanded scope that includes other controlled goods such as refined white sugar (both coarse and fine), 1kg packaged cooking oil, RON95 petrol, and liquefied petroleum gas. Up to June 14, authorities had seized controlled goods worth RM12,956,089.96, with diesel being the most frequently smuggled item.
The Prime Minister affirmed the Madani Government's commitment to addressing diesel smuggling while balancing it with the need to manage supply and cost of living issues for the people. He clarified that subsidies are not being abolished but are being managed more efficiently to prevent leakages and ensure they reach the intended recipients. The government continues to bear approximately RM7 billion in diesel subsidies for peninsular Malaysia.
Anwar also highlighted that savings from the subsidy targeting initiative would be redirected to benefit the public in sectors such as education, health, and public transportation, which have a significant impact on the populace. Furthermore, the government maintains the price of pure palm cooking oil at RM6.90 (1kg), RM13.30 (2kg), RM19.60 (3kg), and RM30.90 (5kg), despite the global crude palm oil (CPO) price exceeding the threshold of RM3,890 per metric tonne.
For instance, with CPO prices reaching RM4,215 per metric tonne in March and RM4,256 per metric tonne in April, the price of 5kg pure palm cooking oil could potentially rise to around RM33-RM35. Anwar reiterated the government’s dedication to proactively addressing cost of living issues and mitigating their impact on citizens' daily lives.
Through these measures, the Malaysian government demonstrates its resolve to ensure essential commodities remain affordable while managing subsidies efficiently and addressing smuggling issues. This holistic approach aims to provide immediate relief and long-term benefits to the Malaysian public.
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