Melaka exco rep lauds hypermarkets, supermarkets that voluntarily lower prices of essentials

MELAKA: Hypermarkets and supermarkets here who take the initiative to offer cheaper prices for essential items throughout the Hari Raya festive season have touched the heart of Allex Seah Shoo Chin.

The state entrepreneur, cooperative development and consumer affairs committee chairman said he was delighted when told that the hypermarkets and supermarkets had taken their own initiative to support "Menu Rahmah" by maintaining low prices and ensuring ample supply of essential items throughout the Hari Raya festive season.

"Some of these operators are selling chicken, buffalo meat and red and yellow onions below the recommended ceiling prices.

"They (hypermarkets and supermarkets) decided to slash the price voluntarily and I appreciate their efforts to assist in maintaining low prices during the festive season," he said when interviewed here Wednesday (April 19).

Seah said the initiative by these operators also leads to bigger savings for consumers.

He also assured that there is ample supply of all essential items listed under the Festive Season Maximum Price Control Scheme (SHMMP).

"We have not received any complaints with regards to any increase in prices of the priced control items or shortage in supplies," he said.

Seah said the state government would also make sure there would be ample supply of items such as beef, chicken and eggs throughout the festive season.

Earlier, Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh announced free parking from the first day of Hari Raya to the seventh day in three districts in the state under the "Rahmah Assistance Package".

He also said 6,223 petty traders in the state would also enjoy a 50% reduction in licensing fees between June to the end of this year that amounts to RM584,000 worth of revenues for local councils.

Ab Rauf said compound notices for parking offences and those issued to petty traders between March 1 to 30 totalling a collection about RM1mil will be abolished to commemorate his appointment as Melaka Chief Minister on March 31.