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THE government has announced plans to expand its affordable sales initiatives, aiming to provide essential goods at lower prices in preparation for the upcoming festive season of Aidilfitri.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who is also the chairman of the National Action Council on Cost of Living (Naccol), made the announcement in a statement today.
Bernama reported, Ahmad Zahid highlighted that the expansion would encompass a series of targeted sales programmes, including the Rahmah MADANI Sales, Pre-Syawal Sales at Farmers’ Markets, and Agro MADANI Sales.
These initiatives are designed to ensure that Malaysians, particularly those from lower-income groups, have access to affordable food and essentials during the festive period.
“The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (KPKM) has assured that there will be an ample supply of key agro-food items such as rice, chicken, chicken eggs, and coconut to meet the demands of Ramadan and preparations for Aidilfitri,” Ahmad Zahid said.
This assurance comes as part of the government’s effort to alleviate any potential food shortages that might arise during the festive season.
This decision was made following discussions at the Naccol Executive Committee Meeting No. 1 of 2025, which was attended by senior government officials, including Minister of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali, Deputy Minister Dr. Fuziah Salleh, and representatives from various state governments, industries, and non-governmental organizations.
The meeting focused on several critical issues related to the cost of living, including rising medical costs.
In addition to the sales programme, Ahmad Zahid addressed the ongoing concern of inflation in medical costs, which has led to higher health insurance and takaful premiums.
To mitigate the financial burden on citizens, the government has outlined several measures to curb the rise in Medical and Health Insurance/Takaful (MHIT) premiums.
These include adjusting premium rates, deferring premium hikes, and exploring alternative products to ease the strain on the public.
“The national health sector reform initiative must be expedited, with a three-year plan from 2024 to 2026 to ensure that Malaysians have access to more affordable and sustainable healthcare,” he said.
The government is also collaborating with Bank Negara Malaysia, the Ministry of Health, and the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) to develop basic health insurance and takaful products that focus on value-based healthcare, ensuring more affordable access to medical treatment for Malaysians.
At the same meeting, Ahmad Zahid reviewed the efforts of the Social Security Organisation (SOCSO) to strengthen social protection and improve job matching initiatives.
He stressed that these initiatives are vital to reducing the income gap and ensuring better economic security for workers and their families.
“The government is committed to implementing various initiatives to tackle the rising cost of living, including income enhancement programs, affordable sales events, and cash assistance,” he said.
These efforts are designed to support the people, especially in the face of current economic challenges.
By expanding these programmes, the government aims to ensure that the well-being of the people remains safeguarded during festive seasons and beyond, reaffirming its commitment to addressing cost-of-living challenges in a comprehensive and sustainable manner. - March 11, 2025
