KUALA LUMPUR: Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali said the ministry would expand the Jualan Rahmah Madani Programme (PJRM) to festive seasons, starting with next week's Deepavali celebration.
He said on top of the Festive Season Maximum Price Scheme that is usually introduced during festive seasons, the expansion of Jualan Rahmah sales was designed as an intervention programme to help people deal with the rising cost of living.
"This is a new mission; during festive seasons, not only will the existing PJRM be implemented, not just the maximum price control scheme, but there will also be special sales programmes to offer affordable items for the festive season.
"Even though the (increased) allocation is for next year, we want the benefits to be felt now. So we have decided and instructed state directors to initiate the effort, using this year's PJRM allocation.
"It will start during (this) Deepavali, prioritising areas with a large Indian community and specific types of goods," Armizan said in a press conference to announce the implementation of the Deepavali Festive Season Maximum Price Scheme.
Yesterday, the Consumers' Association of Penang (CAP) called on the government to organise a Jualan Rahmah Madani Deepavali to ease the burden of Hindus as they celebrate Deepavali.
CAP education officer N.V. Subbarow said many people from the community were not well off.
During the Deepavali Festive Season Maximum Price Scheme announced earlier, Armizan also said that the scheme would take effect from Oct 28 to Nov 3.
Eight types of goods were included in the scheme, such as imported bone-in mutton, tomatoes, red chillies, whole coconuts, grated coconut, small Indian red onions, large imported red onions and Australian dhal peas.
"These eight items were selected based on various factors, and they are essential for Deepavali celebration.
"We (also) take into account the factors of supply and demand, the implications, and the costs borne by traders, as we aim to protect and balance the interests of both consumers and traders.
"At the same time, the selection is based on engagement with the ministry along with the (other) ministries involved in (product) supply (such as) the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry and relevant government agencies, as well as the industries involved," he said.
The scheme is implemented under the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011.