(From fourth left) Liew and Marina introducing the ‘Jom Beli di Pasar’ programme to ease the burden for low-income families during the Chinese New Year season.
Assemblymen partner up with RM40,000 in vouchers to boost essential public space
SHOPPING vouchers worth RM100 and RM150 were handed out to low-income families in Skudai, Johor, to help with their Chinese New Year preparations.
This aid is part of the “Jom Beli di Pasar” (Let’s Shop at the Market) programme involving Pasar Awam Taman Ungku Tun Aminah (TUTA).
Iskandar Puteri MP Liew Chin Tong said the programme was a bid to address issues faced by both market traders and shoppers.
He said the rise of shopping options and effects of the Covid-19 pandemic had caused traders at Taman Ungku Tun Aminah (TUTA) wet market to suffer a dip in sales.
“Together with Skudai assemblyman Marina Ibrahim, we decided to introduce this initiative to boost sales at the market.
“About RM40,000 was allocated for this move to aid B40 families and single low-income earners in their festive preparations,” he said of the vouchers which are valid until today.
He hopes the vouchers will help to lessen the burden of recipients as they stock up on necessities.
Liew, who is also Perling assemblyman, pointed out that wet markets were also a public space for the community.
“The market is a place for human connections and for traders to earn a living by catering to the needs of surrounding residents.
Liew handing out mandarin oranges at the market in Skudai.
“As the people’s representatives, we have the responsibility to preserve and enhance these public spaces in order for them to continue serving the community,” he added.
Before the pandemic, the market had 110 stalls, but some closed after the pandemic.
Now there are only 96 stalls selling fruits, vegetables, meat, clothing, cooked food and other daily necessities.
Meanwhile, Marina said it was the first time her office joined hands with Liew’s team to organise such a programme.
“We will consider organising it for other festive seasons to come, in order to benefit more people.
“I also hope that this programme can be adopted in other constituencies to help the underprivileged as well as traders in need,” she added.
