Sahruddin said there was no need to be “anxious” over Karmaine Sardini’s statement on Sunday that there had been no complaints previously when the palm oil price dropped to RM87 per tonne during the Barisan Nasional administration.

He accused opposition leaders of “trying to spin” Karmaine’s statement.

“In fact, the price went up to RM310 per tonne last month,” he said at a ceramah at Kampung Belokok here. “The government is doing its best for the people.”

Opposition members, including MCA candidate Wee Jeck Seng, criticised Karmaine for his statement, saying the price of palm oil was higher during BN’s administration.

Former prime minister Najib Razak poked fun at Karmaine, asking if he was referring to the prices during Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s first tenure as prime minister.

“It is impossible that the palm oil price dropped to RM87 per tonne during my time in office,” Najib said.

Sahruddin also said the state government will make an announcement on compassionate payment to fishermen in Johor after the exco meeting tomorrow. The fishermen had claimed they had not received the money since 2016.

“It will be a good news,” he said.

Asked if the announcement was meant to fish for votes, he said the promise on compassionate payment had been made previously.

“The opposition will say we are giving out ‘candies’ no matter what we do. This was something that had been promised by the previous government but did not materialise,” he said.