Onn Hafiz (left) visiting one of the stalls at the Jualan Kasih Johor programme in Taman Johor, Johor Baru.
JOHOR has allocated RM5mil to subsidise goods such as chicken, fish and eggs through its Jualan Kasih Johor programme.
Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi said the allocation was part of the state government’s budget for this year.
The programme, aimed at helping consumers cope with the rising cost of living, kicked off in conjunction with Chinese New Year.
A total of RM1.3mil was spent to subsidise food items sold at 30 locations statewide from Feb 4 until Feb 9, he said.
“The state government has subsidised fresh chicken at RM6/kg, fish at RM5/kg, a tray of eggs at RM4 and a bottle of cooking oil at RM3.
“On top of the subsidies, some traders further slashed their prices by RM1 to RM2 to help the B40 and M40 groups,” said Onn Hafiz after launching the programme at Taman Johor Kawasan Rukun Tetangga.
Onn Hafiz added that the programme would be held during other festive periods and maybe during non-festive periods too.
Taman Johor resident Loh Moi, 67, was surprised he was able to buy seafood and chicken for less than RM50.
Consumers queueing up to buy a whole chicken and a tray of eggs for just RM10 at the Jualan Kasih programme.
“I bought fresh squid at RM26/kg, a golden pomfret for RM10 and two whole chickens for less than RM10.
“With things getting more expensive these days, I was glad that I could stock up on the items for Chinese New Year,” she said.
Retiree Wong Moo Soon grabbed a tray of eggs and a whole chicken for just RM10 during a “happy hour” promotion.
“I was excited that I could buy two staple items at a low price and I could see other shoppers leaving with smiles too,” the 76-year-old added.
Meanwhile, kuih seller Maria Din hoped that more of such programmes could be organised to help B40 families.
“My kuih business took a hit during the Covid-19 pandemic and has not recovered since so I am always looking for ways to save,” she said.
The 55-year-old bought cooking oil, a tray of eggs and a bag of 5kg rice for RM43, which is enough to last her family for about three weeks.
