PORT DICKSON, Aug 17 (Bernama) -- The Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry (KPDN) hopes that the Finance Ministry (MOF) will allocate additional funds for the continuation of the Rahmah MADANI Sales Programme (PJRM) next year, said Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali.
He said that with the additional allocation, the programme could be expanded and improved through a new initiative, namely the Rahmah MADANI Sales Mega Carnival, which would be introduced following the overwhelming response from the public.
“This initiative is part of the Payung Rahmah MADANI Agenda, with PJRM as the most popular segment. This year, KPDN received RM150 million to implement the programme nationwide, and until July 31, a total of 5,680 PJRM series were conducted, including 342 in Negeri Sembilan.
“Based on the impact study we conducted, public feedback indicates that they consider this programme helpful in addressing the cost of living. Several dialogue sessions are also being held,” he told reporters after attending the Rahmah MADANI Sales Carnival here today.
Armizan further said that his ministry would meet with MOF at the end of this month to discuss KPDN’s proposals in detail.
The proposed mega carnival would be organised in selected high-density areas nationwide, involving more suppliers to offer a wider variety of goods to the public, he added.
“In some locations, PJRM goods fall short due to high demand. That’s why we’re proposing a mega carnival like today’s event, involving three suppliers instead of just one. We hope the MOF will consider our request for additional funds,” he said.
Armizan also called on industry players and supermarkets to participate in the Ihsan Rahmah MADANI Sales Programme by offering discounts on selected items without relying on government subsidies to support the public.
He said that PJRM consists of two components, the second being items offered through partnerships with certain supermarkets, where government subsidies enable goods to be sold at prices 10 to 30 per cent below market rates.
-- BERNAMA
