Zahari (second from right) and Johor Agriculture Department director Yosri Mohd (right) visiting a fruit stall at ‘Jualan Kasih Johor’. — Courtesy photo
FRESH produce and essential kitchen staples remain the biggest draw at the state government’s “Jualan Kasih Johor” programme (Jualan Kasih), says state agriculture, agro-based industry and rural committee chairman Datuk Zahari Sarip.
He said whole chicken, fish, eggs and cooking oil, followed by fresh vegetables, topped the list of most sought-after items during such programmes.
“These goods are the main focus of the programme, which is aimed at helping the rakyat cope with the rising cost of living.
“The initiative, introduced two years ago, focuses on items such as chicken, eggs, cooking oil, vegetables, fruits and basic groceries, which are household necessities,” he told StarMetro.
He explained that while the Federal Government’s “Jualan Rahmah Madani” programme (JRM) was a nationwide initiative under Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry, Jualan Kasih was a fully state-led effort involving local producers and communities.
“The state programme prioritises local producers, farmers and small traders through partnerships with state assemblymen offices, Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (Fama), local councils and state agencies,” he added.
Launched in 2023 as “Bazar Rakyat Agro Johor”, the initiative was rebranded as “Jualan Kasih Johor” last year, with over 500 events recorded statewide, Zahari elaborated.
“To date, the state has allocated over RM26mil for the initiative.
“We have been receiving positive feedback from people as the programme offers discounts of up to RM6 per kilogramme on selected goods.
“Among the most popular offerings is the ‘Kombo Kasih’ set, comprising one whole chicken, a tray of eggs and a two-litre bottle of cooking oil at just RM15,” he said.
Zahari said the programme was usually held in all 56 state constituencies during major festive periods such as Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Chinese New Year and Deepavali.
However, beginning last September, it was extended to a monthly event in every constituency, taking place during the second week of each month.
“The idea is to make affordable goods easily accessible by bringing the sales directly into neighbourhoods, community halls and houses of worship.
“Not only does the initiative help consumers, it also supports small traders and farmers by giving them direct market access,” he highlighted.
Zahari said Johor planned to expand Jualan Kasih to more locations, increase the participation of local entrepreneurs and boost youth involvement in the essential goods sector.
“Our ultimate goal is to ensure no Johor citizen feels burdened when buying basic necessities, while keeping the local economy vibrant,” he said.
Meanwhile, consumers can also look forward to an enhanced JRM, which offers consumers discounts of 10% to 30%.
In July, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced that the government would double the initiative’s allocation from RM300mil to RM600mil.
He said the funding would increase the frequency and expand JRM to include all 600 state assembly constituencies nationwide to help the people with cost of living. — By YEE XIANG YUN
