KUALA LUMPUR: The government will expand the cheap sales programme to help citizens access essential goods at more affordable prices ahead of the festive season, says Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
The Deputy Prime Minister, who also chairs the National Action Council on Cost of Living (Naccol), said that the programme will include Rahmah Madani Sales, Pre-Syawal Sales at Farmers' Markets, and Agro Madani Sales.
"The Agriculture and Food Security Ministry has guaranteed that the supply of 11 main agro-food items, including rice, coconut, chicken, and chicken eggs, will be sufficient throughout Ramadan and preparations for Hari Raya Aidilfitri," he said.
This was among the topics discussed at the Naccol executive committee meeting No. 1 of 2025 on Tuesday (March 11), which also included participation from the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali, Deputy Minister Dr Fuziah Salleh, senior ministry officials, state government representatives, industry, and non-governmental organisations.
Additionally, Ahmad Zahid highlighted that the meeting addressed the rise in medical cost inflation, leading to increased health insurance and takaful claims.
To address this, several measures have been identified to curb the increase in Medical and Health Insurance/Takaful (MHIT) premiums, including the distribution of premium adjustment rates, deferral of premium adjustments, and the provision of alternative products.
He said the national health sector reform initiative needs to be expedited over a three-year period from 2024 to 2026.
Moreover, Bank Negara, in collaboration with the Health Ministry and the Employees Provident Fund, will develop basic health insurance and takaful products focusing on value-based healthcare.
"This initiative is part of the national health sector reform effort that needs immediate implementation to ensure access to more sustainable medical treatment," he said.
Meanwhile, the meeting also reviewed the Social Security Organisation's initiative to strengthen social protection and job matching to reduce the income gap among the populace.
Among the initiatives to be enhanced are efforts for more efficient job matching, providing hiring incentives for employers targeting groups in need, and strengthening social protection for better economic security for workers and their families.
"The government remains committed to implementing various initiatives to tackle cost of living challenges, including income enhancement programmes, cheap sales, and cash assistance.
"These measures are part of ongoing efforts to ensure the well-being of the people amid current economic challenges," he added. – Bernama
