By Karen Bong
KUCHING, Sept 15: The Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs (KPDNHEP) hopes for a bigger allocation in Budget 2023 to expand programmes like Community Drumming to ensure especially rural and remote communities across the nation will continue to enjoy essential goods at standardised prices.
Minister Dato Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi said that the price of essential goods in rural areas is quite high due to logistics costs.
“Through the programme (Community Drumming) the cost of transportation for essential goods will be absorbed by the government.
“This will help to reduce the burden of cost of living and help all consumers in urban (areas) or towns, and especially those living in rural areas,” he said in a recording shared in a KPDNHEP Sarawak and Media WhatsApp Group.
He was met after launching the opening of a new Lulu Hypermarket and Departmental Store branch at Setia Ecohill Mall in Semenyih, Selangor today.
Meanwhile, Nanta added that the ministry’s Jihad Against Inflation Special Task Force will continue to monitor the situation at every level of the supply chain to ensure essential goods are priced reasonably.
“Our aim is to raise awareness among the public and industries of the government’s efforts and immediate actions in addressing issues related to the market situation, supply of goods and pricing of goods.
“It is the responsibility of KPDNHEP to ensure affordable pricing, curb sudden increases in prices of goods and (prevent) business profiteering,” he said. — DayakDaily
