Malaysian PM To Form Special Task Force For Jihad Against Inflation

Screenshot of Malaysian Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yakoob

KUALA LUMPUR - A Cabinet meeting agreed to form a Special Task Force on Jihad Against Inflation to help Malaysian families face the challenge of rising living costs, Malaysian Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yakoob said.

The role of the special team is to collect all information from ministries, institutions and the public to formulate strategies and coordinate actions to solve problems related to inflation, especially controlling the increase in the price of goods more efficiently and effectively.

"The special team will function like the team dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic, by meeting twice a week on Mondays and Thursdays," said the Prime Minister in a statement in Kuala Lumpur, Wednesday, June 29.

A press conference will be held after each meeting to provide clarification on the issues raised by the Malaysian Family.

The move follows the challenge of rising cost of living as a result of climate change and geopolitical uncertainty, including the Russia-Ukraine conflict, which is expected to drag on and affect the food and fuel commodity markets.

The Special Team for Combating Inflation Jihad will be chaired by the Minister of Communications and Multimedia, Annuar Musa.

The five members are Minister of Finance Tengku Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz, Minister of Agriculture and Food Industry Dr Ronald Kiandee, Minister of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Alexander Nanta Linggi, Minister of the Prime Minister's Department (Economy) Mustapa Mohamed and Main Secretary of Government Mohd Zuki Ali.

Special officers in each ministry will be appointed as reference officers (focal points) to provide direct responses to the Special Team under the Secretariat of the Ministry of Trade and Domestic Consumers (KPDNHEP).

He said the government was continuing to work to ensure Malaysian Families were not seriously affected by rising inflation worldwide.