KUALA NERANG, The Rahmah Sales programme, held for the first time in conjunction with the Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebration at the Kampung Tanjung Piring public field here today, received an extraordinary response, including from the Thai community.

A Bernama survey found that the programme, organised by the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN), was attended by over 500 residents, with most of them arriving as early as 8 am to get the essential items that were marked 10 to 30 per cent lower than the market prices.

Rubber tapper Nor Madiah Ramli, 49, described the programme as very helpful for most of them, who are mostly rubber tappers.

“I knew about this programme yesterday and came here as early as 9 am to buy the festive essential items. The goods sold here are cheaper. For example, a bag of five-kilogramme rice costs RM14 compared to RM18 in sundry shops.

“I also bought glutinous rice to make ketupat, margarine to bake biscuits and other necessities like sugar and cooking oil which were
all sold at a lower price,’ she said when met here today.

Fifty-two-year-old housewife Aminah Lateh hopes the programme can be held more frequently to assist the residents there.

“Many of us here are poor and when there are such programmes, we feel relieved as we can buy many items at lower prices. We are satisfied (with the programme) and want it to be continued,’ she said.

Meanwhile, Kampung Tanjung Piring Federal Village Development and Security Committee (JPKKP) chairman Muhammad Halim hailed the encouraging response from the residents.

He said various basic items were sold at the programme, including glutinous rice, sardines, flour, chicken, laundry soap, cordial drinks, canned milk, instant noodles and dishwashing liquid.

“Many residents have asked that this (programme) be held more often and retained, especially in rural areas…we like this programme in our village…if we want to go out to buy our daily essentials, the nearest town is Kuala Nerang, which is about 35 kilometres away,’ he said.

Source: BERNAMA News Agency