PUTRAJAYA, Aug 2 — 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 Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Fuziah Salleh said the PJRM initiative allows the public to purchase essential goods at more affordable prices through discounts, ultimately helping them save more.
"We face challenges in controlling global market prices. For instance, when we import goods like onions, which we rely on 100 per cent from external sources, prices are dictated by the international market.
"Although we can't control global prices, the government intervenes by implementing initiatives such as Rahmah Sales to offer discounts.
"This means, when people have limited disposable income, programmes like this help make essential goods more accessible," she said in an exclusive interview with Bernama recently.
She said the government’s two-pronged approach, which focuses on enhancing disposable income and regulating the prices of essential goods, is a crucial step toward alleviating financial pressures on the people.
"The government is helping by increasing the income floor, which means improving people's income and ensuring that their disposable income rises. At the same time, we are controlling the prices of essential goods," she said.
"If anyone suggests that a single approach is sufficient, that’s inaccurate. The government has to, and is implementing both simultaneously," she said.
Fuziah said, for example, the government has taken various steps to increase the income floor, including raising the minimum wage and adjusting the salaries of civil servants, efforts aimed at ensuring people have more spending power.
She also highlighted the government's commitment to expanding PJRM, noting that the allocation has been doubled from RM300 million to RM600 million this year, allowing for it to be held more frequently across all 600 state constituencies nationwide.
"With RM300 million, Rahmah Sales could be held twice a month in each state constituency. With the increased allocation, the programme can now be held four times a month, or once every week, in each constituency.
Regarding the proposal to expand the list of Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (Sara) items, Fuziah said the initiative falls under the purview of the Finance Ministry (MOF), while the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry offers feedback received from the people to the relevant parties.
She said improving the list of Sara items is a continuous process that is carried out based on the needs and feedback of consumers.
Fuziah also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to maintaining a fair and transparent business development ecosystem, free from cartel interference.
She said this is being pursued through various mechanisms under the ministry’s supervision, including the Malaysian Competition Commission, monitoring of profiteering activities, and supply chain management.
“We monitor all aspects of the market. We have price inspectors, enforcement teams, and several legislative instruments in place to ensure fairness and transparency,” she said.
The ministry, she said, also conducts routine price monitoring through the Price Catcher application and regular inspections by enforcement officers.
“These efforts ensure that business development in the country is well-regulated and equitable for all parties,” she said.
