KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA March 3, 2026 – Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali today delivered his winding-up speech on the Royal Address debate in the Dewan Negara, providing detailed responses to concerns raised by senators regarding the ministry’s (KPDN) functions.
In his address this afternoon, Datuk Armizan focused on two primary issues highlighted during the debate.
Foreign Business Participation and Local MSMEs
The minister addressed worries over the impact of foreign businesses on local micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). He outlined the existing legal framework under the Business Registration Act 1956 and the Companies Act 2016, as well as current regulatory mechanisms including the Guidelines on Foreign Participation in the Distributive Trade Sector.
To ensure balance between foreign investment and protection of local traders, the government has established a Special Task Force chaired by the Ministry of Finance. The task force will examine improvements to policies, legal frameworks and enforcement measures.
Cost-of-Living Concerns
On the cost of living, Armizan stressed that the government remains fully committed to continuous intervention and mitigation efforts. These are guided by a dual strategy: stabilising prices of essential goods and services while enhancing household incomes.
Through the National Cost of Living Action Council (NACCOL), a whole-of-government approach involving multiple ministries is being implemented across eight key clusters. Under the 13th Malaysia Plan (RMK13), this will be further strengthened via the Strategy to Strengthen Cost-of-Living Management, supported by the National Cost of Living Action Plan 2026–2030, which will be finalised in the second quarter of this year.
The minister added that written replies will be furnished to senators who were unable to attend today’s session.
Armizan expressed appreciation to all participating senators for their constructive suggestions, recommendations, concerns and even criticisms.
“These inputs reflect our collective commitment to ensuring that the responsibilities entrusted to the ministry are carried out effectively for the benefit of the people,” he said.
The Dewan Negara session concluded with thanks to all members who contributed to the debate.
About The Author
