DUNGUN, Nov 15 (Bernama) -- The Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) has established 1,770 points of sale nationwide, this year, under the Price Standardisation Programme (PPH).
Deputy Minister, Dr Fuziah Salleh, explained that the programme was made possible through government subsidies for transport companies facilitating the distribution of essential goods, LPG (liquefied petroleum gas), and Community Drumming (PPH), to rural areas located more than 15 kilometres from supply centres.
“The seven types of goods covered by the programme include white rice, coarse white sugar, wheat flour, packet cooking oil, LPG cylinders, RON95 petrol, and diesel,” she said.
For this year, the federal government has allocated RM225 million to support the programme, which will benefit six states: Sabah, Sarawak, Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang, and Kedah.
She said this to reporters after attending the Kita Gempur: Community Drumming Implementation programme, in Kuala Jengai, today.
Fuziah explained that the programme is part of the government's efforts to control the price of goods, particularly in rural areas, where residents have faced price hikes when goods were supplied by certain parties.
“This initiative also ensures that people have easier access to essential goods and fuel. For example, in this village, residents must travel 28 kilometres to Bukit Besi town if they need to refuel,” she said.
In Terengganu, she added, the programme not only benefits Kampung Kuala Jengai, but also covers 10 other areas, including the Redang Island zone in Kuala Nerus and Perhentian Island in Besut. A total allocation of RM3.16 million has been provided, benefitting 13,100 residents.
Fuziah further stated that the ministry plans to maximise the RM300 million, allocated for the Payung Rahmah programme in the 2025 Budget, to mobilise more Rahmah Sales and address supply shortages, particularly during the flood season.
“Additionally, we have authorised selected district wholesalers (DDWs) and retailers (DDRs) to stock controlled goods up to 30 per cent beyond their licence storage limits, as a precautionary measure for the flood season. These supplies have already been moved to the designated DDWs and DDRs," she said.
-- BERNAMA