Practical solutions needed to stabilise essential goods prices, says Unimas vice-chancellor

KUCHING (Oct 4): Practical solutions are urgently needed to stabilise the prices of essential goods while safeguarding the well-being of the people of Sarawak, said Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas) deputy vice-chancellor (Research & Innovation) Prof Ir Dr Siti Noor Linda Taib.

Speaking at the ‘Sarawak 2024 Seminar on Price Stabilisation and Cost of Living’ here yesterday, she said that in an era of economic uncertainty and global challenges, Sarawak faces its own set of difficulties that impact both urban and rural communities.

“The rise in prices of basic goods, housing and services has become a critical issue that burdens the daily lives of our people.

“In this context, today’s seminar with the theme ‘Issues, Challenges and Strategies’ is highly relevant to the current situation, reflecting the urgent need to seek practical solutions.

“We are gathered here to discuss important issues that profoundly impact our state, namely the stabilisation of goods prices in Sarawak and the growing challenges of the rising cost of living,” she said in her opening speech.

Elaborating, Dr Siti Noor Linda emphasised that rising prices, especially for essential goods, are not merely a local economic issue as they affect all layers of society, influencing the quality of life, social well-being and future opportunities for every Sarawakian.

She added that with the state’s unique geography and demographics, solutions to control prices and manage the cost of living must be comprehensive, sustainable and inclusive.

“We must ensure that the realities faced by rural, interior, indigenous communities and low-income households are taken into account as we strive to balance global economic challenges with local economic impacts.

“Supply chain disruptions and commodity price fluctuations have added to the burden felt by our communities.

“However, I believe that through cooperation, resilience and innovation from all parties, we can devise strategies that are not only effective but also implementable for the benefit of all segments of society,” she said.

Dr Siti Noor Linda noted price stabilisation and addressing the rising cost of living are complex issues, and that there is no single, one-off solution.

Ensuring the well-being of the people and meeting the needs of various segments of society requires close and comprehensive collaboration between the government, industry, academia and the community in seeking sustainable solutions, she said.

“While the rising cost of essential goods is a national concern, it is particularly critical for Sarawak as many of its necessities, such as rice, meat, canned food, and packaged goods, are imported.

“For example, Sarawak aims to end its reliance on imported rice by 2027 and aspires to become a rice exporter by 2030. Thus, sustainable strategies and policies are necessary to reduce the state’s dependency on imported rice.”

Dr Siti Noor Linda also expressed her confidence that the seminar will generate relevant and practical ideas and strategies to ensure that Sarawak’s economy continues to grow sustainably for the well-being of all.

“I am confident that the views and proposals shared during this seminar will lead to strategies and policies that are not only effective but also practical and relevant to Sarawak’s context.

“Our discussions today prioritise the commitment of all parties to improving the quality of life for every Sarawakian, ensuring that our policies and actions are proactive, sustainable and inclusive for the long term,” she added.

The seminar was organised by Unimas, in collaboration with the Sarawak Economic Planning Unit (EPU), Ministry of Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development (MFICORD), PPES Ternak Sdn Bhd and the Royal Malaysian Customs Department Sarawak.

Among those present were representatives from various government and state agencies, producers, wholesalers and retailers of essential goods from Kuching and Sri Aman divisions; consumer associations; public and private universities; and officials from the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry (KPDN) headquarters and branches.