GEORGE TOWN, Oct 23 (Bernama) -- The Consumers' Association of Penang (CAP) hopes that the government will hold a MADANI Rahmah Deepavali Sale to enable Hindus to buy essential goods at a cheaper price in conjunction with the Deepavali celebration on Oct 31.
CAP education officer N.V Subbarow said the goods sold at the Rahmah Sale are not only cheaper than the market prices, but the goods are also of better quality.
"CAP recommends that the government holds a Madani Rahmah Deepavali Sale because Hindus can buy and get essential goods cheaper and easier than now because there are retail stores that do not have supplies such as oil in one-kilogramme polybag packets.
"During the festive season, buyers will usually buy more to cook to celebrate Deepavali, but sometimes it is difficult to get supplies, if there is a charity sale, it will be easier for them to buy essentials," he said at a press conference here today.
He said the implementation of the Rahmah sale had a lot of positive effects in easing the cost of living for the people and he hoped that more goods, especially for preparations in conjunction with Deepavali, would be sold.
Subbarow said that so far CAP understands that no more MADANI Rahmah Deepavali Sales will be held and he hopes that it can be held this year.
The MADANI Rahmah Sale Programme launched on January 11, 2023 is a programme organised by the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Malaysia (KPDN) that offers savings on the price of daily necessities up to 30 per cent cheaper than the normal price of the local market.
Meanwhile, Subbarow also urged Hindus in this country to make Deepavali a celebration without plastic.
He said celebrating the festival of light in a responsible and environmentally friendly way not only preserves the environment but also sets an example for future generations.
"Bring your own refillable bag or container when buying sweets and the practice of using plastic must be stopped because plastic harms the environment, wildlife and human health in many ways, including contributing to climate change," he said.
Hindus around the world celebrate Deepavali on Oct 31 this year to celebrate good over evil on Saturthasi Tithi, the 14th day of the month of Iypasi, based on the Hindu panjangam calendar each year.
-- BERNAMA