PJSR programme manifests govt’s concern for people – Anyi

MIRI: The ‘Program Jualan Sentuhan Rakyat’ (PJSR) which offers a variety of food items and other daily necessities for sale below market prices is clear evidence that the government is deeply concerned about the increasing pressure on the rakyat due to the rising cost of living.

According to Baram MP Anyi Ngau, the government has its policy and strategy to ensure that the prices of controlled items are properly set and taken care of to avoid price hikes by unscrupulous traders.

“The Jualan Sentuhan Rakyat programme is one of the government’s efforts to ensure the welfare of the people is well taken care of.

“The government stays committed to ensure that people in rural areas can purchase basic necessities at the same prices as in urban areas,” said Anyi when officiating at the ‘Program Jualan Sentuhan Rakyat’ in Beluru town near here yesterday.

Over 30 daily necessities including rice, eggs, sugar, wheat flour, cooking oil, fish and chicken were sold cheaper than the market price at the programme attracting more than 1, 000 residents from nearby areas.

Anyi expressed his gratitude to the government and Ministry of Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism (KPDNKK) in particular for organising the event with an aim to lessen the burden of the rural people over the rising cost of living.

Persatuan Nelayan Kawasan Miri manager Malik Bol said such sales programme received encouraging response from the people, especially those in rural areas with low income.

“The response for this programme is really encouraging. Residents got to enjoy buying goods at prices cheaper than the normal price. We are looking forward for the government to continue this programme for the well-being of the people here,” he said.

For Barat Badang, 68, from Kampung Muhibbah, Jalan Beluru the programme is a great platform for the locals to recognise the set prices for controlled items.

“Over the years, we here have been greatly impacted by the rising prices of goods at several stores, especially during the festive seasons.

“Retailers tend to sell items at an uncertain price, sometimes up to twice the normal price. Hence, such programme is good and I hope it will continue to be organised in the future,” said Barat while thanking the government for the initiative.

Meanwhile, 60-year-old housewife Sharifah Leha Tuanku Ahmad from Kampung Melayu Beluru Bakong said it was a great pleasure for the programme to be held in Beluru.

“The price of the goods here is very cheap and affordable if compared to the market price.

“For us living in this area, we really require goods being sold at such prices to cope with the rising cost of living today,” she said.

Assistant Minister of Local Government and Marudi assemblyman Datu Dr Penguang Manggil was also present at the event.