A RECENT check on the prices of 276 items in the state showed at least 30.8 per cent of them were more expensive due to the fuel price hike recently.
Community Development and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Azizah Mohd Dun however disclosed that prices on 8.7 per cent of the items showed a decrease.
“Price hikes were imposed on items like imported beef, tiger prawns, imported onions and garlic, and wet ginger.
“However, the price hike did not burden the people that much,” she said when responding to a question from Balung assemblyman Datuk Syed Abas Syed Ali during the question and answer session at the State Assembly sitting yesterday.
It was also revealed that a review by the ministry also found that between last October and April this year, some 6,300 people were no longer eligible for the welfare assistance scheme.
Azizah also disclosed that during the same period, 9,736 people have benefitted from the scheme while the status of 2,788 others is being reviewed.
Responding to a question by Kuala Penyu assemblyman John Teo Mau Sing, Azizah said there are four factors to determine one’s eligibility for inclusion into the scheme.
“Those who have recovered from sickness, remarried, earning above the poverty rate and death are automatically disqualified to receive the assistance,” she said.