RM14 billion subsidies expected this year – Sabri

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TEMERLOH: The government is expected to spend over RM14 billion on subsidies of essential goods including petrol and diesel this year.

Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said this is due to increase in the global price of goods and oil products.

“Last year the government spent RM10.3 billion on subsidies for the people,” he told reporters after meeting voters in Kerdau near here yesterday.

Ismail said the government has no plan to abolish subsidies in the near future.

“Any reduction of subsidies must take into account the impact on the people although it is a burden to  the  government.

“Subsidies are not only given during elections as the Barisan Nasional government  has  been giving them for a long time,” he said.

He said Malaysians are fortunate that the government give subsidies unlike people in other countries who have to buy goods at higher prices. —Bernama