PUTRAJAYA, March 3 -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has ordered tighter monitoring of essential goods and food prices during Ramadan and the upcoming Syawal celebrations, amid an expected surge in demand.

Senior press secretary to the prime minister, Tunku Nashrul Abaidah, said Anwar had stressed that the availability of supplies and price stability of daily necessities must be guaranteed nationwide without exception.

"Ramadan and the approach of Syawal are naturally periods during which demand for daily necessities increases significantly. The prime minister has stressed that supply availability and price stability must be assured across the country without any excuse," he said during an evening briefing that was broadcast li...