SARA Registration Expansion To Aid Small Traders - Perak DPPM

IPOH, Jan 7 (Bernama) -- The expansion of new registrations under the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) programme to include 10,000 small traders and sundry shop operators in villages is expected to strengthen the micro-economy while improving access to essential goods in rural areas.

Expressing support for the initiative, Perak Malay Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DPPM) president Amirudin Tajudin urged small traders to make full use of the opportunities provided by the government.

“With a target of 10,000 traders, including those operating in villages, the initiative will make it easier for local residents to buy essential goods, which in turn will help boost sales for small traders,” he said in a statement.

Amirudin said DPPM also welcomed the government’s move to hold the MADANI Rahmah Sales programme three times a month in each state constituency, acknowledging public concerns over rising prices of goods.

He said that with more than 23,000 MADANI Rahmah Sales programmes set to be held, the initiative would enable basic necessities to be sold at prices lower than those in the local market.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, in his New Year address at the Prime Minister’s Department monthly assembly on Monday, announced the expansion of the MADANI Rahmah Sales programme to include small traders, such as sundry shop operators.

The move is aimed at reaching villagers who have yet to be registered under the existing system.

Anwar also announced that the MADANI Rahmah Sales programme would begin on Jan 9 and be held three times a month in each state constituency.

He said said more than 23,000 MADANI Rahmah Sales programmes would be organised nationwide, involving 600 state constituencies and 40 locations in the Federal Territories, to ensure basic necessities are offered at prices lower than prevailing local market rates.

Launched on Jan 11, 2023, the programme is part of the Payung RAHMAH initiatives by the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living, offering savings of between 10 and 30 per cent on selected daily necessities.

--BERNAMA