Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim will bring up the issue of rising prices affecting petty traders during the Cabinet meeting scheduled for Wednesday, May 6, 2026 [1].
Anwar has received direct feedback from small business owners, such as food stall operators, who report that prices are increasing week by week, significantly impacting their livelihoods [1]. He said, “I’m not hearing this from the Treasury secretary-general (Datuk Johan Mahmood Merican) or secretaries-general — I’m hearing it from the shops,” highlighting the difference between official data and grassroots experiences [1].
Official reports indicate that prices remain under control, but Anwar emphasized the importance of considering real conditions faced by those at the grassroots level when framing government policies. He remarked, “That is why I say that even though we are capable, knowledgeable and surrounded by leading experts, we must still listen to those on the ground and at the grassroots.” [1]
At the upcoming meeting, Anwar plans to discuss ways to monitor price increases more effectively. He said, “I want to know how we can monitor it more effectively, and if it truly cannot be controlled, what more we can do to ease the burden on people like this woman running a small business.” [1]
The Cabinet meeting on May 6 will focus in part on exploring measures to ease the financial strain on small business operators amid rising costs [1].
