Rafizi defends 'formula' in controlling prices of goods

SHAH ALAM - Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli says he is not afraid of the public’s opinion but is confident that those who are rational would begin to understand and follow his recommendations.

He was responding to the criticisms thrown at him over his statement advising consumers to not buy goods sold by traders which exceeded the average prices.

He stressed that to solve the problem, all parties needed to ensure that the price ecosystem was more flexible.

"The government is working on the medium-and long-term measures including improving the supply chain to stop monopolies.

"This includes establishing price control without disrupting the continuity of supply and high-scale investment," he said.

He said in another month, the Perikatan Nasional (PN) “gangs” who were disputing the matter would all be lost for words.

“Just like when they were speechless on other matters which were initially controversial but the arguments presented one by one were understood by the people who are intelligent,” he said in a tweet on Saturday.

In a press conference on Friday, Rafizi said consumers are advised not to buy items sold by traders that exceeded the average price.

He said this was because consumers have many other options, taking the example of food selection.