KUANTAN, Oct 21 (Bernama) — Pasar Tani Keluarga Malaysia (PTKM) or the Malaysian Family Farmers’ Market recorded total sales of RM175 million as of September, according to the Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (FAMA).

In a statement here, FAMA said there are 36 such farmers’ markets nationwide with an overall financial construction cost amounting to RM152.97 million that benefits 2,323 participants.

Apart from this, five PTKMs are still under construction in Seberang Jaya (Penang), Kuala Kangsar (Perak); Putrajaya; as well as Kuala Lipis and Cameron Highlands, both in Pahang.

FAMA also said the Kuala Lipis PTKM, at a cost of RM3.11 million, has 58 business lots that are expected to be completed in August next year.

Meanwhile, Deputy Rural Development Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Rahman Mohamad said the construction of the PTKM will increase the income of entrepreneurs and reduce the problem of marketing agricultural produce.

“With the PTKM, agricultural entrepreneurs do not need to worry about climate factors such as rainy weather as well as the relocation of the farmer’s market site or the closure of farmers’ market due to local development factors,” he said.

The Kuala Lipis PTKM ground-breaking ceremony today was also attended by Pahang FAMA director Saiful Sadri.

The existence of PTKM with the aim of providing space for farmers and entrepreneurs to market agricultural products directly to consumers on permanent sites, has also become part of the community culture.

This is because PTKM has become a weekly or monthly routine especially for women to buy fresh items and household essentials.

Source: BERNAMA News Agency