Foreign media reports on fuel price hike not true, Cabinet yet to discuss, says Fahmi

GEORGE TOWN: The Cabinet has not discussed any price hike for petrol and diesel yet, says Fahmi Fadzil.

The Communications Minister, who is also the unity government’s spokesman, dismissed international media reports suggesting that the government had decided to announce a price hike for petrol and diesel.

He said the matter had not been discussed by the Cabinet, including during last week’s meeting.

“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 something before it has been announced.

“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 in his speech at the Jiwa Madani programme at SMKA(P) Al-Mashoor, here Saturday (May 4).

Fahmi also reminded all media not to publish reports based on sources that have not been verified or identified.

“We saw recently that Digital Minister (Gobind Singh Deo) who was in Penang in April, speak of Digital Nasional Bhd (DNB), a week before that, there were foreign media reports that claimed the implementation of the 5G network was down and out. It was as if everything had been decided.

“A week later, Gobind announced that the number of DNB directors had been increased and the process was going on. Secondly, the issue of the casino licence (issued in Johor) claiming it will be announced soon,” he said.

Therefore, he hoped the Madani community can assist in tackling slenderous issues and fake news in a more systematic manner.

Fahmi also hoped the media, the Madani community and the government can 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.

On Friday (May 3), 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 report, quoting 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, and it will be followed by a staggered rise in retail rates of petrol. – BK