KUALA LUMPUR: The government will retain the sugar subsidy next year to ensure the people are not burdened, besides ensuring the process of price liberalisation is implemented in stages, the Dewan Rakyat was told yesterday.
Deputy Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Minister Datuk Tan Lian Hoe said the government’s credibility would be affected if it were to suddenly yank away the subsidy as the people greatly benefited from it.
“That is why the government is still maintaining subsidies for essential items like sugar and flour.
“This is to ensure prices do not rise drastically,” she said when winding up the debate on the Supply Bill 2011 at the committee stage for her ministry yesterday. — Bernama