The government should look at a more updated approach to rationalise the subsidy programme and it needs to be done in a gradual manner to be successful, said former deputy minister Ong Kian Ming.

Ong, who held the international trade and industry portfolio, said the use of savings from the rationalisation process also needs to be communicated well to the public to avoid backlash.

“It should be gradual, not a sudden increase like it was done previously. For example, the government could...