Kota Kinabalu: Warisan President Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal urged the Sabah Government to focus on addressing bread-and-butter issues at the grassroots level as rising global fuel prices continue to squeeze the rakyat.
Speaking to Daily Express after attending party information chief Datuk Azis Jamman’s Hari Raya open house in Darau on Saturday, Shafie said the impact of higher oil prices which surpassed US$100 per barrel is already being felt through rising transportation costs and increasing prices of goods.
“This is different from Covid-19. Back then, people were not spending as much because businesses were closed. Now, people are spending, but costs have gone up significantly,” he said.
Shafie stressed that while individuals must practise prudence, the Government must take proactive steps to ease the burden on the people, particularly those at the grassroots level.
“We need to ensure the rakyat are protected. The cost of transport has increased, prices of goods have gone up, and this will continue to affect overall supply.
“Authorities must listen closely to public concerns and act accordingly,” he said.
He also cited measures implemented during his administration, including a RM600 million food aid programme and procurement of test kits and medical supplies, as examples of swift intervention during crises.
On the issue of Pulau Sebatik, Shafie reiterated the need for full transparency, stressing that any negotiations or decisions involving territorial matters must comply with the Federal Constitution.
“Any major decision must be brought to the State Legislative Assembly and the Dewan Rakyat. No boundary can be altered without proper approval,” he said, referring to Article 2(1) of the Constitution,” he stressed.
Shafie added that while discussions with Indonesia can take place, due process must be observed to avoid breaching legal provisions.
