Low prices nationwide
> Govt to absorb transportation cost to streamline KR1M 2.0
KUALA LUMPUR: The government is absorbing the transportation cost for 1Malaysia People’s Shops (KR1M 2.0) products to streamline their prices nationwide, said Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
The deputy prime minister said this was necessary to ensure its affordable products, which are sold below market value, can be enjoyed by all, including those in Sabah and Sarawak.
He declined to disclose how much will be allocated annually for this purpose.
“We are putting our efforts in coordinating the pricing, especially for Sabah and Sarawak, by giving financial assistance to not only reduce the cost of transport, but the cost of distribution as well.
“By providing allocation to transport companies to deliver these products, it shows our effort in reducing the price of goods,” he told a press conference after launching the latest KR1M 2.0 store at KK Super Mart, Terminal Bersepadu Selatan yesterday.
It is among the 52 stores that have either begun operations since Feb 21 or would be launching soon.
Ahmad Zahid said the recently abolished cabotage policy since June 1 last year would also help maintain prices in Sabah and Sarawak.
He also vowed that KR1M 2.0 stores would not meet the same fate as KR1M 1.0, claiming that it is here to stay.
“Definitely, it will be sustainable (compared to KR1M 1.0), because we have studied the proposal tabled by Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Minister Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin and a few of its financial implications.
“We also reckon that the element of negotiating with manufacturers and producers have helped bring down the prices,” he said.
Different from KR1M 1.0, which sold repackaged items at lower prices, the second generation stores will sell branded items using their original packaging at below market value.
KR1M 2.0 products are also sold at selected existing supermarkets, convenience stores and sundry shops, compared to standalone KR1M shops previously.