KUALA LUMPUR – Program Jualan Termurah, Khidmat Demi Rakyat, which offers wet and dry goods at cheaper prices than the market, can be expanded to meet demand while helping to reduce the cost of living for the people.
Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil said the programme could be held strategically at certain times, such as in the middle of the month or while waiting for payday.
“Actually, Bukit Gantang MP Datuk Syed Abu Hussin Hafiz Syed Abdul Fasal has been working on a programme in his constituency for the past few years, and I was drawn to the concept that offers daily necessities and fresh items at 30% to 50% lower prices to help reduce costs for the people, particularly the B40.”
“So, what we are holding today is a ‘test drive’ and ‘proof of concept’ that I will suggest to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on how we can implement it in other parliamentary constituencies, especially in controlling the cost of goods and helping to reduce the cost of living,” he said.
He said this to reporters after visiting the Program Jualan Termurah, Khidmat Demi Rakyat, in the Kerinchi People’s Housing Programme (PPR) today, organised by the Lembah Pantai MP Service Centre.
Fahmi, who is also Lembah Pantai MP, said this programme can complement the Program Jualan Rahmah (PJR), organised by the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry.
“We are not competing with supermarkets but rather helping periodically. PJR has also been held several times in Lembah Pantai, but it was held in rotation, so to accommodate the needs and requests, this programme is very helpful.
“Through a programme like this, we can also see that the cost of the supply chain can also be controlled to ensure that the benefits continue to be enjoyed by the people. Like today, we all take fresh fish directly from the ship,” he said.
In the meantime, Fahmi said that to maximise attendance and benefit the community from this programme, location selection is very important.
“Like this area, we have several PPRs, low-cost flats and government quarters, so it is indeed a focal area and a strategic location to hold a programme like this so that more people will benefit from it,” he said.
Meanwhile, Jemiah Othman, 64, said she was excited to get wet items at today’s programme because it was the first time in her neighbourhood.
“I think it’s good to hold programmes like this in residential areas because it makes it easier for people, especially the elderly, to get cheap wet goods… no need to go far.
“The prices offered are cheaper, shrimp, squid and sea bream are indeed sold at cheaper prices than in normal shops, I buy items that are really cheap,” she said.
This one-day programme from 8am to 11am offers wet items such as fish, chicken, squid, shrimp and dry items including rice and sugar. – January 6, 2024