PUTRAJAYA, Dec 16 — The government is monitoring the inflation rate on a monthly basis following the subsidy rationalisation exercise, says Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Idris Jala.

“The current inflation rate is at a very low level. We looked at this (subsidy rationalisation) before and Bank Negara Malaysia made an assessment on the subsidy rationalisation.

“The assessment showed there will be only a small increase in inflation, but it will be contained,” he said.

The implementation of the subsidy rationalisation was not drastic but “is being done very gradually over a long period of time,” he told reporters after the panel discussion with ministers in conjunction with the “ETP Turns 3” event here today.

The panel participants include International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Abdul Wahid Omar, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr S. Subramaniam and Communication and Multimedia Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek. 

Idris, who is also the Chief Executive Officer of the Performance Management and Delivery Unit (Pemandu), said this when asked on concerns that the subsidy rationalisation may pressure the inflation rate. — Bernama