The Kelana Jaya MP was referring to Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi who remarked last week that Putrajaya was looking at possibly raising fuel subsidies to ensure that fuel prices do not continue to increase in the market.
Zahid said the matter would be brought to the National Economic Council meeting today for further discussions, adding that they are still studying if the subsidies need to be raised.
“Let’s just see if the government will actually do it or if it’s just talk.
“If he is going to increase subsidies then it is a good thing. Because people cannot afford 60 dollars per barrel for oil. If this continues for half of the year, obviously they have to do something,” Wong told FMT.
He added that unlike the Barisan Nasional government, Pakatan Harapan has a very clear policy manifesto to give subsidies to the people.
“As an oil producing nation, we cannot eliminate all subsidies, whatever the price is. I think it is a fair point.
“Because if we are producing it locally, there is no cost of logistic transportation. We are not shipping across the world, just five kilometres away.
“So all the savings should actually go to the subsidies for people,” Wong said.
As a natural resource, Wong said oil “comes from God, and is not manufactured by man”.
“Therefore, there is no reason why we cannot allow our own people to enjoy some subsidy for oil.”
Zahid: Putrajaya mulling raising fuel subsidy amid rising prices