No cabinet talks on fuel prices yet, Fahmi dismisses foreign reports
Cabinet minister Fahmi Fadzil rejected foreign media reports that diesel prices will float, followed by staggered increase in petrol prices.
PETALING JAYA: The cabinet has yet to discuss a price increase for petrol and diesel yet, government spokesman Fahmi Fadzil said today, dismissing media reports that a decision on a price increase had been made.
Fahmi said the matter has not been discussed by the cabinet before, including at last week’s meeting, Bernama reported.
“I have studied the matter carefully and can confirm here that the matter was not discussed because I am also a cabinet minister. Therefore, don’t put the cart before the horse or don’t announce before it has been announced,” said Fahmi, who is communications minister.
“We are aware that several foreign based media have pre-empted the process and I hope all parties, including the media, can obtain information from credible sources,” he said after a government event in George Town, Penang.
The minister reminded all media to not publish reports based on sources that have not been verified or identified.
As examples, he pointed out foreign media reports recently about the 5G network, and of plans for a casino in Johor, which was denied by the government,
Fahmi also hoped the media and the government could work together to ensure information that reach the people is authentic, reliable and true, while waiting for the laws and provisions for the Malaysia Media Council bill to be tabled in Parliament.
Yesterday, foreign media reports said that Malaysia is set to cut fuel subsidies by June, a major economic reform that will be a key test of support for the Pakatan Harapan-led unity government as the public grapples with high living costs.
The media quoted official and industry sources, said that diesel prices will float to market rates in a matter of weeks after the Kuala Kubu Baharu by election on May 11, to be followed by a staggered rise in retail rates of petrol.