The Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) hopes the government will increase allocations in Budget 2025 for the MADANI Rahmah Sales programme so that it can be held more frequently in every parliamentary and state constituency across the country next year.
Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali stated that the additional allocations would allow KPDN to carry out the Mobile MADANI Rahmah Sales programme not only in rural areas but also in remote areas, including Sabah.
“We are collaborating with vendors to provide trucks to enter remote villages. Even though the prices of items in the MADANI Rahmah Sales are low, villagers still have to bear transportation costs.
“So, we are making efforts to bring this Rahmah Sales to the people, to be held at community halls or public centres in remote villages because we are aware that these residents are among those most affected by logistics costs,” he told reporters after inspecting preparations for the MADANI Rakyat Sayangi Sabah programme, here today.
Armi
zan said that KPDN submitted the proposal to raise the allocation to the Finance Ministry after seeing positive feedback and response, as well as the success of the initiative in providing the public with access to essential goods at prices lower than the market’s.
“The most important thing that we hope for and suggest is that initiatives to tackle the cost of living should be provided with more allocations and new ones should be introduced not only by KPDN but also other ministries,” he said.
Armizan said KPDN also emphasised to the government that any initiatives involving targeted subsidies must be accompanied by the assurance of protection and social assistance for the people through the implementation of new systems or cash aid.
Meanwhile, Armizan, who is Papar MP, expressed hope that the SejaTi MADANI programme, which was initiated this year with an allocation of RM1 billion-RM100 million of which is for Sabah-can be continued in Budget 2025.
“A community of seven people can apply for a grant of up
to RM100,000 to start and expand their businesses. In Papar, the funds started being disbursed last month. I see a very positive impact, as not only young people but also retirees utilising the grant… It is important for us to have initiatives that empower the people to create and generate income,” he added.
Source: BERNAMA News Agency
