KEPALA BATAS: Subsidised local white rice was among the high-demand essentials sold at the Rahmah Madani Sale in Pinang Tunggal here on Sunday (March 2), Malay language daily Sinar Harian reports.
All 950 packs of 10kg rice brought by the organisers were snapped up by the public in less than an hour at the event held in the grounds of Masjid Al-Hidayah, Kampung Lahar Tiang.
A survey by Sinar Harian found that people began gathering and queuing as early as 8am, waiting for the sales tent to open at 9am, eager to purchase local rice and other necessities.
Visitor Siti Mariam Shuib, 40, said she learned about the Rahmah Sale through an advertisement on TikTok on Friday (Feb 28) and didn’t want to miss the opportunity to buy local rice, which had been hard to find.
Siti Mariam, who attended the sale with her mother, Che Zaiton Khalid, 60, from Penaga, expressed gratitude for being able to save money by purchasing necessities at prices much lower than elsewhere.
"It's a relief to be able to save money on shopping, including buying other necessities in preparation for Ramadan.
"Although people started waiting before the sale began, everyone seemed satisfied to take home two packs of rice each," she said when met by Sinar Harian on Sunday.
Another visitor, Shahrul Saad, 39, from Bumbung Lima, also shared his relief at being able to purchase local rice, which is in high demand, especially among low-income groups in the area.
He said such affordable sales should be increased to ease the burden on people currently facing uncertain living costs.
"I hope residents will no longer struggle to find local rice in the market because it's what people really need.
"I'm sure everyone who queued and waited this morning to get this local rice felt relieved because they could save a lot compared to buying imported rice in the open market," he told Sinar Harian.
Meanwhile, Osmiyani Othman, 42, said not only was local rice found again, but she was also grateful to be able to buy packet cooking oil, which had previously been difficult to purchase in shops and supermarkets.
"These basic necessities should not be hoarded or denied to the public.
"I hope this issue is given attention by the government and the relevant agencies so we can buy subsidised goods meant for the people," she said.
