Kuala lumpur: The Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) is prepared to add new control posts to ensure the supply of essential and subsidised goods reaches remote areas that still face accessibility issues. Its deputy minister, Datuk Dr Fuziah Salleh, stated that under the Essential Goods Distribution Programme (PBP), new control posts could be considered if an area is more than 15 kilometers from an existing post and the price of controlled goods sold exceeds 50 percent of the controlled price due to high logistics costs.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Dr Fuziah explained that if the price of goods in areas without a post increases substantially, it is eligible for the establishment of a new goods distribution post. KPDN is open to discussing with Members of Parliament and local representatives to examine areas that require additional PBP control posts. This statement was made during the debate on the Supply Bill 2026 (Budget 2026) for the ministry in the Dewan Negara.
The government has allocated RM250 million to PBP, covering 120 distribution zones, 559 areas, and 820 points of sale nationwide, including remote areas in Sabah, Sarawak, and Pahang. High logistics costs, particularly for boat transport to interior areas, can lead to increased prices for controlled goods such as LPG, wheat flour, sugar, and packet cooking oil without government intervention.
Addressing concerns about the availability of packet cooking oil for events or small traders, Fuziah noted that the daily production contract for subsidised cooking oil is set at 60,000 cartons per day. She emphasized that KPDN will consider public needs without compromising the subsidy system's integrity.
Additionally, Deputy Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Aiman Athirah Sabu announced plans to expand the Malaysia Urban Observatory (MUO) analytical dashboard for flood risk detection to other states starting next year. This dashboard, completed for Perak and Selangor, helps identify flood-prone areas by analyzing land use types.
Deputy Digital Minister Datuk Wilson Ugak Kumbong mentioned the government's development of the National Digital Trust and Data Security Strategy to enhance governance and data security. This strategy focuses on digital security, accountability, and trust, aiming to support Malaysia's efforts in building a secure AI ecosystem.
The Senate session is scheduled to resume on Monday.