Kuala lumpur: The government is adopting a two-pronged approach to tackle the rising cost of living, namely by expanding the MADANI Rahmah Sales Programme (PJRM) and raising the minimum income floor to boost disposable income. Deputy Minister of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living, Datuk Dr Fuziah Salleh, explained that the PJRM initiative allows the public to purchase essential goods at more affordable prices through discounts, ultimately helping them save more.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Fuziah highlighted the challenges faced in controlling global market prices, especially for imported goods like onions, which are entirely sourced externally. The government intervenes by implementing initiatives such as Rahmah Sales to offer discounts, making essential goods more accessible to people with limited disposable income.
She emphasized that the government's two-pronged approach focuses on enhancing disposable income and regulating the prices of essential goods, which is crucial for alleviating financial pressures on the people. The government aims to increase the income floor and ensure that disposable income rises while controlling essential goods prices.
Fuziah cited steps taken by the government to increase the income floor, such as raising the minimum wage, adjusting civil servants' salaries, and setting minimum wage rates. The government has also doubled the allocation for PJRM from RM300 million to RM600 million this year, allowing the programme to be held more frequently and expanded to all 600 state constituencies nationwide.
The increased allocation allows Rahmah Sales to occur four times a month in each state constituency, ensuring that sales are always available and easily accessible. Fuziah noted the popularity of the initiative among the public.
Regarding the proposal to expand the list of Basic Rahmah Contribution Assistance (SARA) items, Fuziah mentioned that the Ministry of Finance (MOF) is responsible for the initiative, while the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) conveys public feedback to the relevant parties. The list of SARA items is continuously improved based on consumer needs and feedback.
Fuziah also reaffirmed the government's commitment to maintaining a fair and transparent business development ecosystem, free from cartel interference. This is pursued through various mechanisms under the ministry's supervision, including the Malaysian Competition Commission (MyCC) and oversight of profiteering activities and supply chain management.
Price monitoring is conducted through the Price Catcher application and regular inspections by enforcement officers to ensure that business development in the country is well-regulated and equitable for all parties.