Deputy Minister Alleges Political Motive Behind Resurfaced RM200 Budget Shopping Video
The Deputy Minister stated that the video in question was reposted after the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs (KPDN) wanted to launch the Charity Rice Sale.
By Melissa Alvina — 21 Sep 2023, 03:36 PM
Recently, a video of the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Deputy Minister, Fuziah Salleh, purchasing groceries with a budget of RM200 has gained significant attention
In the viral video, Fuziah can be seen buying groceries, which include two packets of cream crackers, a packet of MILO, two packets of instant noodles, two cans of sardines, two packets of flour, a bottle of cooking oil, a bag of rice, a can of condensed milk, and a few other items.
The items she purchased came up to a total of RM136.30.
Following the purchase, Fuziah can be heard commenting, "Who says RM200 isn't enough and it has to be RM500? Don't say things that are not true. I've seen it for myself and I've evaluated it."
The viral video received widespread criticism from netizens, who claimed that her purchases did not represent the typical consumption of an average household, as reported by New Straits Times.
Subsequently, Fuziah has clarified that the video in circulation is an old video that was recorded back in July when she visited a supermarket in Langkawi, Kedah
"That is an old recording when we were addressing the issue of having RM200 and not being able to purchase many necessities," Sinar Daily quoted her as saying.
The Deputy Minister also added that the video in question was reposted after the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs (KPDN) wanted to launch the Charity Rice Sale.
Fuziah believes that there is a hidden political agenda behind the old video that has resurfaced online
"I believe there is a mastermind behind it, and it may be politically motivated," she said to Sinar Daily.
According to Harian Metro, Fuziah explained that at the time the video was recorded, there had been an issue about RM200 not being enough to buy daily necessities.
In order to find out if this was true, she visited a supermarket to survey the situation and try purchasing items with that budget.
"The prices at the supermarket were slightly lower than other places that sell Jualan Rahmah items. However, RM200 was still enough to fill my basket.
"My statement in the video was referring to the situation at the time," she said when contacted by Harian Metro.
The Deputy Minister hopes that this clarification will rectify the misunderstandings of netizens who may have misconstrued the message she was trying to convey.
