Merotai: The government is taking steps to enhance its monitoring mechanisms to ensure the availability of essential goods, with a particular focus on rice, as part of the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) Appreciation Aid programme. This initiative aims to meet the public's demand effectively.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil emphasized the use of real-time data to identify the most purchased items and prevent any disruptions in market supply. The minister stated that by monitoring redemption thresholds, authorities can determine which product categories are in high demand and ensure stock availability at participating outlets.
Datuk Fahmi Fadzil pointed out that rice supply falls under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (KPKM). Following the first week of the SARA programme, he plans to request an assessment of stock levels and explore measures to maintain uninterrupted supplies. He shared these insights with reporters after visiting a supermarket in Merotai to observe the redemption process, accompanied by Communications Ministry secretary-general Datuk Seri Mohamad Fauzi Md Isa and Information Department director-general Julina Johan.
The issue of supply under the SARA programme will be a key topic in an upcoming meeting next Wednesday, where a special mechanism will be developed to balance stock availability based on demand at specific locations. During today's survey, it was noted that local rice was among the most sought-after items, with demand leading to complete stock depletion at the visited supermarket.
In the Merotai state constituency, there are currently only two SARA redemption outlets. Minister Fahmi indicated that a study will be conducted to assess the need for additional outlets based on current demand. The SARA programme initially started with around 700,000 recipients across more than 2,000 premises, and this number has grown to over 7,300 premises. He expressed confidence that this number could be further increased.
Additionally, the minister highlighted the necessity for a dedicated hotline, following complaints from both SARA recipients and counter staff about occasional system disruptions.