BUKIT MERTAJAM: A whole chicken for just RM4 proved too good a bargain for shoppers at the Madani Raya sale programme at Sunway Wellesley here.
The crowd queued under the scorching sun for more than an hour before the sale opened, eager to stock up on essentials for Hari Raya Aidilfitri that included rice, cooking oil, beef, chicken, eggs and many other cooking ingredients that were about 20% cheaper than market rates offered during the programme on Saturday and Sunday by the Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Ministry (Kuskop).
People were also seen buying large quantities of noodles, canned food, sauces and spices commonly used for Hari Raya dishes.
Among the early arrivals was housewife Zabidah Ilias, 67, from Penanti, who learnt about the event through social media and came prepared with reusable bags.
“We came early because we knew the prices would be good. Prices have gone up at the market, so it is a relief to find them cheaper here.
“We have to prepare many dishes because all six of my children are coming home for Hari Raya,” she said.
Zabidah, who arrived shortly after the event opened at 9am, queued again when the fresh beef sale began at 11am, where the meat was sold at RM23 per kg instead of the normal price of RM26.
For Paejah Awang, 58, from Kebun Sireh, the outing turned even sweeter as she left with not just bags of groceries, but also an oven offered in the lucky draw.
“I did not expect to win anything today, so this is really a pleasant surprise.
“The festive season is always lively in my household, especially with all seven children returning home.
“With a new oven, I might start baking more Hari Raya biscuits,” she said, adding that it would be a nice activity for her younger children to learn how to make traditional biscuits.
Kuskop Minister Steven Sim said the programme, supported by nine cooperatives in Penang, aimed to help the public prepare for Hari Raya while supporting the cooperatives sector.
“All the items sold here are about 20% cheaper than the market price,” he said.
A “happy hour” promotion on Sunday was offered with discounts of up to 30% for some items, with 1,000 whole chickens sold at RM4 each, compared with about RM12 at the market.
Sim said about 800 visitors attended the first day, generating sales of about RM30,000.
“We targeted a total sales of up to RM100,000 over the two-day programme,” he said, adding that the discounted prices were subsidised by the ministry.
Sim said the initiative may be expanded to other parts of Penang, including the island, after Hari Raya if additional funds were available.
