Putrajaya:<Text>

The government does not rule out the possibility of relaxing import conditions if necessary to ensure construction material costs remain low and do not burden the public, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said. Anwar, who is also Finance Minister, stated that the move would be considered should price hikes by industry players continue to exert pressure on development costs and the cost of living.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Anwar emphasized that the government's stance is aimed at protecting public interests, particularly in ensuring that development costs for affordable housing and low-cost projects do not continue to rise. He mentioned that several issues related to price increases had been discussed with Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani, including matters involving chicken and egg cartels.

Anwar further explained that when the government proposed withdrawing price-control subsidies, there we re claims that prices would rise. However, the government engaged with the cartels and made it clear they could not pressure the government into increasing allocations while still recording profits. He highlighted that RM1.2 billion is spent annually to keep chicken prices under control, and despite the withdrawal of subsidies last year, chicken prices did not increase.

The Prime Minister also addressed concerns regarding the prices of steel, iron, and cement, noting that increases in these areas would drive up development costs, including the cost of affordable and low-cost housing. He asserted that cartels must understand that while they are not prevented from making profits, the government will act to ensure costs remain manageable for the public.

The assembly was also attended by Transport Minister Anthony Loke, Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil, Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar, and Public Service Department director-general Tan Sri Wan Ahmad Dahlan Abdul Aziz.