SEPANG: Engagement sessions to gather ideas for Budget 2025 have begun between the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry with various stakeholders, says Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali (pic).

The minister said two sessions had been carried out with the retail sector and consumer groups to discuss issues related to the cost of living.

“Two weeks ago, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim instructed all ministries to hold engagement sessions with their stakeholders to gather input for Budget 2025.

“We have conducted two sessions, the latest round being one with the consumer groups yesterday.

“The outcomes have been presented to the Cabinet, some of the issues raised involved other ministries as well,” he told a press conference after launching the Five KLIA Pit Stop petrol station here on Tuesday (Aug 6).

He said the ministry focuses on issues related to the cost of living, among others, at the dialogues while aiming to uplift and help the people generate more income.

“It is a two-pronged strategy, in which our not only focus on dealing with the control of prices and services, we must (also) look into the aspect of creating and increase the people’s disposable income,” he added.

Earlier Tuesday (Aug 6), Anwar revealed at the Finance Ministry’s monthly gathering that the upcoming Budget would focus on efforts to address the rising cost of living.

Anwar, also the Finance Minister, had instructed policy planners to develop cross-ministry solutions to tackle problems related to cartels, monopolies and the rising prices.

The Budget 2025 is expected to be tabled in the Dewan Rakyat on Oct 18.

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/08/06/domestic-trade-ministry-engaging-stakeholders-to-gather-input-for-budget-2025