The incident started after domestic trade and consumer affairs minister Alexander Nanta Linggi warned traders against raising the price of essential goods, especially in light of the coming festive season and the price controls that will be put in place.

He said there might be traders who try to raise the price of these food items before the price controls come into effect.

“The ministry won’t hesitate to take action against those who take advantage of the situation,” he said.

This prompted Lim Guan Eng (PH-Bagan) to criticise Alexander, saying he should not blame traders for the high prices.

“The crux of the problem is a mismatch between supply and demand. So, what has the government done to address this issue?” he asked the minister.

Lim, and opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim (PH-Port Dickson) then described the rise in prices as a “national crisis”, and demanded the government take immediate action.

“When PH was the government, this never happened. These are the highest ever (prices for these types of food) in our history. So don’t blame the traders as they are victims.”

Lim, who said, farmers were also being burdened with heavy costs, proposed the establishment of a fund.

This fund, which he said could be allocated from the government’s “Cukai Makmur” (prosperity tax) revenue could be used to provide subsidies to farmers.

Meanwhile, Alexander said the government’s Keluarga Malaysia Sale programme, where basic necessities are sold at affordable prices nationwide, will begin on Dec 4.

Lim then reminded the Dewan that the minister had previously said the issue of the high price of essential goods will be resolved by Dec 9.

He questioned if Alexander would take responsibility if the issue was not resolved, to which the latter said he was willing to.

“However, we may not be able to resolve it by Dec 9 as this issue is quite complex and is not entirely in the hands of the ministry,” the minister said.

Lim then interjected saying: “This was your own statement.”