PORT DICKSON – Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the government will prioritise strategies to stabilise inflation and address the rising cost of living in Budget 2025.
He said under the Madani government, the inflation rate is holding steady at 2%, with gross domestic product growth for the second quarter of this year at 5.9%.
“I just returned from Vladivostok, Russia (where) I met President Vladimir Putin. Questions were raised about our inflation rate, which is at 2%, while some food sectors see inflation at three to 3.5%. Even that has been a challenge to manage.
“My focus and strategy for the budget (presentation) in October is to find solutions to the cost of living issues…although, compared to neighbouring countries like Thailand, Indonesia and Singapore, our inflation is relatively low,” he said.
He said this in his speech when officiating the national-level 2024 Health Month celebration, also attended by Negri Sembilan Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun and Health Minister Datuk Seri Dzulkefly Ahmad here today.
In this regard, Anwar said the government is committed to prudent economic management, ensuring there is no wasteful spending in various sectors.
Based on the Statistics Department’s consumer price index report for July this year, Malaysia’s inflation rate has remained at 2% since May.
The department said the inflation rate was driven by price increases in key categories, including restaurants and accommodation services (3.4%); personal care, social protection and miscellaneous goods and services (3.2%); recreation, sports, and culture (2.2%); and healthcare (1.9%).
Meanwhile, Anwar reiterated that he has never interfered in investigations involving any individual or leader, stressing that such matters are entirely in the hands of the authorities.
“These days, it seems like there’s a new scandal every week, and some people say it’s because Anwar is seeking revenge. That’s completely untrue. We must put a stop to leaders abusing their power for personal gain.
“I want everyone to understand this clearly. I don’t care who is under investigation – whether it’s a case of motorcycle theft or robbery – that’s the job of the police. They don’t seek my approval to investigate anyone,” he stressed. – September 8, 2024