MUAR, March 21 — The country’s economy is still registering positive growth despite the current uncertain economic situation, said Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.

He said the country’s development remains unaffected, with development projects proceeding as usual.

“Our economic growth is still positive with last year’s rate at six per cent, and although it has slightly gone down this year, it is still positive.

“For some countries it is negative. Negative means no growth, people do not have jobs and there is no investment.

“In Malaysia we have inward investment of over RM200 billion,” he said when concurrently opening the annual joint conference of the Pagoh Wanita Umno, Umno Youth and Puteri Umno at Seri Kembar here today.

Muhyiddin said a responsible government would not want the people to suffer and would address the high cost of living.

He said as chairman of a special cabinet committee to tackle the cost of living, he would ensure that the people would be helped in this matter.

“The Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Ministry has taken the necessary step by announcing lower prices for goods to help the people,” he said.

On the Goods and Services Tax (GST) taking effect on April 1, Muhyiddin said the people should understand the need for the new tax regime, pointing out that many developed countries have long practised the GST as it is a better tax system.

“We have a lot of items exempted from the GST, and what the government is doing is ultimately for the good of the people,” he said, adding he hoped the people would report errant businesses who take the opportunity to raise prices to the ministry. — Bernama