PUTRAJAYA — The prices of essential goods remain stable ahead of the Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebrations, thanks to measures taken by the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry (KPDN) and the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry (KPKM), said Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil.
Fahmi, who also serves as the government spokesman, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had commended both ministries during today’s Cabinet meeting for their success in keeping prices under control, particularly in the lead-up to Aidilfitri.
He said that industry players have also played a role by cooperating with the ministries to maintain price stability.
“We can see that local white rice (BPT) is now reaching various locations, and KPKM continues working to identify and supply areas that have yet to receive it.
“Several ministers have also reported a drop in egg prices in some areas ahead of Hari Raya, which is a positive sign,” Fahmi told reporters today.
He encouraged the public to use the PriceCatcher app to find locations offering basic goods at reasonable prices and to compare prices across different retailers.
Fahmi also highlighted that Anwar briefed the Cabinet on the implementation of the 2025 Special Financial Aid (BKK) and salary increases under the Public Service Remuneration System (SSPA), which involved a significant financial commitment by the government.
He explained that in December, civil servants who signed the SSPA received an average 8% salary increase in the first phase, with a second phase scheduled for later this year.
In January, annual salary increments ranged between 7 and 15%, depending on grade, while in February, a RM500 BKK was disbursed as part of Budget 2025.
“Recently, the prime minister also announced Aidilfitri BKK payments of RM500 for civil servants in Grade 56 and below, as well as RM250 for government retirees, including pensionable and non-pensionable veterans.
“The same Aidilfitri assistance will also be given to teachers of Al-Quran and Fardu Ain (KAFA) classes, along with 14,000 civil servants in Terengganu,” he added.
Fahmi emphasised that these efforts reflect the government’s commitment to easing the financial burden on Malaysians, especially civil servants, ahead of Aidilfitri. — March 26, 2025