00:00Subsidy leakages severely undermine economic efficiency and fiscal discipline, with short-term
00:07consequences like revenue losses and weakened fiscal transfers, says economist Golem Tai of
00:12University Malaya. He said in the long run, leakages entrench rent-seeking behavior,
00:18discourage energy efficiency, and delay a sustainable subsidy framework, adding that
00:23without reform, subsidies risk becoming fiscal liabilities instead of tools for equitable
00:27development. Meanwhile, Madeline Burma of Institut Masa Dipan, Malaysia warned that leakages
00:33also feel public distrust and worsen income inequality, creating opportunities for corruption.
00:39She said that while Malaysia is still grappling with leakages and has yet to entirely eliminate
00:43them, the government's move to rationalize diesel subsidies in June last year had led
00:47to significant decrease in leakages. The government ended egg price controls and
00:52cut subsidies from $0.10 to $0.05 per egg, with full removal planned for August 1st.
00:58The Agriculture Ministry said this was necessary for fiscal sustainability and fairness, as subsidies
01:03have been benefiting foreign nationals and high-income groups.
01:07Meanwhile, economist Jeffrey Williams says by resetting the system and using technology to
01:12monitor eligible recipients, reforms saved RM7.5 billion, allowing redirection of funds to health,
01:18education and social protection, while eliminating corruption and improving market efficiency.
01:24Dhanush Rajareza, FMT
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