MADANI Rahmah Sale Draws Crowds Ahead Of Ramadan

KEPALA BATAS, Feb 15 (Bernama) -- The MADANI Rahmah Sale Programme, held at the Karnival Mahabbah site in Bertam Square, drew locals from Kepala Batas who took the opportunity to prepare for the upcoming Ramadan.

By 9 am, crowds were already lining up for essential items priced 10 to 30 per cent lower, easing household costs.

Visitor Naimah Mohamad Hamidi, 28, said the government programme was a lifeline for her family after losing everything in a house fire in Kuala Muda, Penaga, on Thursday.

“The fire destroyed most of my essentials, and I hadn’t been able to prepare for Ramadan, but today’s sale and the vouchers have really helped lighten the load,” the housewife told the reporter today.

Naimah is currently staying with her disabled mother, husband, and 14-month-old son, while caring for her mother-in-law, who had a stroke.

Zakaria Shaari, 44, from Bertam Putra, said the sale’s cheaper essentials like eggs, milk, and soap eased his family’s expenses.

He thanked the MADANI government for introducing the initiative, saying it reflects care for those affected by the rising cost of living.

“I have two children, 17 and 12. Monthly household expenses usually run between RM700 and RM800, so sales like this are a big help,” he said, adding that he hopes the programme continues to make essentials more affordable for the local community.

Meanwhile, Karnival Mahabbah organiser Zaini Aboo Hassan said the programme was held in collaboration with Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP) councillor Zainuddin Mohamed, who also provided RM50 vouchers to 50 selected asnaf and single mothers for essential purchases.

“Usually we give out food baskets, but this year we switched to vouchers so recipients can pick whatever they need for Ramadan, like rice, eggs, and other essentials, at the best prices,” he said.

Zaini said the 17th edition of Karnival Mahabbah features 300 stalls, including 10 free ones for new entrepreneurs to showcase their products, adding that one million visitors are expected during the month-long carnival from Feb 19 to the eve of Hari Raya Aidilfitri.

--BERNAMA