Rahmah MADANI Sales Expansion A Proactive Move To Ease Cost Of Living Burden

KUALA LUMPUR, July 24 (Bernama) -- The increase in allocation for the Rahmah MADANI Sales programme, to RM600 million this year, is a proactive measure by the government, to help ease the burden of rising living costs faced by the people.

Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, yesterday announced an additional allocation, doubling the original RM300 million to RM600 million. The increased funding will be used to expand the number of Rahmah MADANI Sales locations and increase the frequency of the programme, covering all 600 state constituencies nationwide.

The announcement was welcomed by various quarters, including local leaders, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and members of the public, who viewed the move as a clear reflection of the government's commitment to addressing the needs of the low-income group.

In SELANGOR, Kota Damansara assemblyman, Muhammad Izuan Ahmad Kassim, said that the move would help ensure that all Malaysians have access to basic necessities at more affordable prices.

He added that the initiative could also complement the Selangor government’s existing efforts, particularly the Jualan Ehsan Rahmah (JER) initiative, to extend support to a larger segment of the population, especially the underprivileged.

“In the Kota Damansara state constituency alone, whenever the JER programme is held in certain areas, nearly 200 to 300 people turn up to purchase goods. If Rahmah MADANI Sales are expanded, it can reach even more people who may truly need initiatives like this.

He added that Kota Damansara, which is among the more densely populated constituencies, with approximately 95,000 residents, has also proposed increasing the purchase quota per individual, to better support households with large families.

In NEGERI SEMBILAN, members of the public welcomed the government's announcement to increase the number of Rahmah MADANI Sales locations and expand the range of products offered.

Government pensioner A. Damutaran, 68, said that the move would make it easier for people to shop more frequently, thanks to the increased accessibility of the sales locations.

“Previously, we had to wait for the Rahmah MADANI sales at a single location, which was sometimes far from our district. Now, with more sales venues, it will definitely be more convenient for the people,” said Damutaran, who resides in Port Dickson.

In PERAK, housewife Maria Samsul Rijal, 43, said that the Rahmah MADANI Sale programme has helped families like hers save significantly on daily necessities, as the prices offered are lower than market rates. She noted that she is able to save between RM50 and RM100 each month through the initiative.

The mother of three also expressed hope that more basic items would be included in the programme, to better meet the daily needs of households.

Meanwhile, in JOHOR, sales assistant Hidarina Azam, 35, said that the expansion of the Rahmah MADANI Sales programme has been a great help for low-income earners in managing kitchen expenses. She expressed hope that sales locations will be increased in densely populated areas, and scheduled on weekends, to benefit more people.

In PERLIS, residents are looking forward to the programme as an opportunity to save amid rising living costs, and to better manage their household expenses.

Among them are housewives Fatin Natasya Roslen, 28, and Nor Ramziela Zolkeply, 32, who believe that the initiative is timely and effective in helping ease the financial burden faced by families.

Nor Ramziela also expressed hope that essential items, such as cooking oil, rice, milk, and disposable diapers, will always be well-stocked under the programme, as these are priorities in every household.

In KELANTAN, housewife Nazirah Ismail, 36, said that the initiative reflects the government’s awareness of the people’s current needs. She believes that the increased allocation demonstrates that the Rahmah MADANI Sales programme is not a short-term effort, but one which has gained the government’s serious attention.

Elsewhere, in KEDAH, Noor Hanifah Zahirah Mohd Khalil, 43, from Taman Gunung, welcomed the expanded number of sales locations and increased frequency of the programme, calling it good news for all Malaysians. She added that the move shows the government’s concern and sensitivity toward the people’s struggles.

In PAHANG, contractor Aziyadi Abdullah, 54, said that the increase in allocation for the Jualan Rahmah MADANI Programme to RM600 million - double the previous amount - offers greater opportunities for the public to spend wisely and access quality basic goods.

“The people, especially those in the B40 group, will certainly welcome this increase as it can ease their financial burden when shopping. We also hope that Rahmah Sales will offer a wider variety of goods, with sufficient stock,” Aziyadi said.

Consumers’ Association of Penang (CAP) president, Mohideen Abd Kadir, welcomed the government's decision to increase the allocation for the Rahmah MADANI Sales Programme from RM300 million to RM600 million, calling it a positive step. He also urged the government to also address the broader issue of food security.

Meanwhile, Penang Hindu Association (PHA) president, Datuk P. Murugiah, proposed the establishment of permanent sales premises, such as MADANI grocery stores, which utilise a ration card system. He said that these outlets should specifically cater to the B40 group living in People’s Housing Projects (PPR) and other urban poor communities, ensuring that only eligible individuals can access basic goods at subsidised prices.

-- BERNAMA