SIBU, July 20 — Information Communication and Culture Deputy Minister Datuk Joseph Salang believes the government will find a mechanism to help poor rural folk over the recent reduction to sugar, petrol and gas subsidies.
Nevertheless, he said, the subsidies, strictly speaking, should be removed.
Contacted today, Salang, who is also Julau Member of Parliament, said subsidies on the three items had especially, benefitted the rich and corporate customers.
“For instance, petrol used by rural folks for their outboard engines and generator sets monthly is insignificant, as compared to that used by owners of fuel-guzzling vehicles in the cities and towns daily.
“Manufacturers of an assortment of soft drinks and confectionery will use more sugar, in comparison to the meagre RM5 or so, spent by rural folks,” he said.
Salang said he was all for the people to adapt to reducing their sugar consumption because of the bad effects on their health.
Meanwhile, consumers in Kapit town need to pay up to 20 cents more for food and drinks, beginning next month.
Kapit Coffeshop and Restaurant Owners Association chairman Ma Tian Hock said this was inevitable, with the increasing cost of raw materials and transportation.
“The hike of between 10 to 20 sen for various kinds of food and noodles is expected to take effect between August 1 and 15.
“We are waiting for all our members, including those in nearby Song bazaar, to revise their price list,” he said, adding that the last time they adjusted the price was in November 2007.
Roti canai stall owner Awang Hussein Awang Jinal, 56, said eight of the Muslim traders at the Teresang Market would follow suit.
However, longhouse chief Tr. Gare Timbang has questioned the decision. He said it was illogical for a cup of coffee or tea to go up by 20 sen, just because a kilogramme of sugar now cost 25 sen more at RM2.05.
“The ordinary folks will be burdened,” he said.
Here, Sibu Coffeeshop and Restaurant Owners Association chairman Tong Ing Kok said members would meet soon as the reduction had put them in a tight spot, with daily operation costs cutting into their profit margin. — Bernama