JOHOR BARU: The Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry has assured the public that the supply of essential goods and controlled items will remain sufficient ahead of the Johor and Negri Sembilan state polls.
Deputy Minister Datuk Fuziah Salleh said the ministry would monitor the situation closely throughout the campaign period and on polling day.
The demand for such items was expected to increase with the influx of election workers, party machinery and returning voters.
“We are monitoring the Rahmah Sales programme and checking on the supply of controlled goods and daily necessities to ensure they are sufficient.
“We want to ensure that there are no disruptions to the supply of goods,” she said after a walkabout session at the Madani Rahmah Sales programme at a hypermarket in Taman Daya here yesterday.
Fuziah said checks would be carried out and the ministry will engage with suppliers and retailers to ensure the smooth distribution of essential goods throughout the election period.
She noted that while the ministry is keeping a close watch on potential supply chain impacts from rising global logistics costs – fuelled by the ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East – local stock levels remain entirely unaffected.
“The Rahmah Sales programme is a key initiative to help ease the cost of living faced by consumers.
“From January until June 13 this year, a total of 13,692 programmes were implemented nationwide.
“Of the number, 920 were held in Johor, covering all 56 state constituencies.”
Fuziah added that the programmes attracted some 2.3 million visitors in Johor, reflecting strong public response to the government’s efforts to offer goods at affordable prices.
The initiative also recorded over RM1.46mil in sales value in the state during the period.
The ministry, she said, would continue expanding the programme while ensuring the supply of essential goods remains stable and sufficient for consumers nationwide.
