THE Penang Legislative Assembly has unanimously agreed to urge the Federal Government to address the rising cost of living and issues on food security which are impacting the people and affecting sustainable economic development.
Speaker Datuk Law Choo Kiang made the ruling under provision 34 (8) of the Standing Order after the assemblymen unanimously voted for the motion without notice which was tabled by Lee Khai Loon (PH – Machang Bubuk).
Lee said Penang has created history today by urging the Federal Government to solve the rising cost of living which is affecting the people and matters on food security.
“I tabled this motion because our Governor has mentioned it in his opening speech at the State Legislative Assembly sitting last week. He has called for us to work closely to address these pressing matters for the betterment of the people and the state.
“Many assemblymen have also raised these issues when debating the motion of thanks to the Governor’s speech.
“This shows that there is a need for us to represent the people and make a stand, urging the Federal Government to address the rising cost of living and food security,” he said.
Lee said that food items were no longer affordable for the B40 and even the M40 groups due to the increase in prices.
“We have quite several plans and policies at the national level, but why are we still facing such a crisis?
“I would like to propose to the Federal Government to review the country’s agricultural system.
“It seems like the Federal Government is focusing more on activities surrounding palm trees and rubber tapping, while the food supply chain is given the least priority.
“Also, the Federal Government has to play a key role in expediting the Sungai Perak Raw Water Transfer Scheme (SPRWTS).
“This is important to address the water shortage issue so that Penang can contribute better to the agriculture sector,” Lee added.
Meanwhile, Ong Ah Teong (PH – Batu Lancang) concurred with the motion and called for the Federal Government to address the matters seriously.
Also sharing his agreement and input was Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail (PH – Pantai Jerejak), who said a long-term plan was needed to curb the issues of inflation and food security.
The motion also received good remarks from Opposition Leader Datuk Muhamad Yusoff Mohd Noor (BN – Sungai Dua), who said he was ready to join the state’s efforts to address the said issues with the Federal Government.
Among others who concurred and debated their views were Datuk Abdul Halim Hussain (PH – Batu Maung), Lim Guan Eng (PH – Air Putih), Goh Choon Aik (PH – Bukit Tambun), Lee Chun Kit (PH – Pulau Tikus) and Satees Muniandy (PH – Bagan Dalam).
Story by Kevin Vimal
Pix by Darwina Mohd Daud and Muhamad Amir Irsyad Omar