By Zareef Muzammil
KUALA LANGAT, July 6 — The Selangor Agricultural Development Corporation (PKPS) initiative to organise the Jualan Ehsan Carnival for Aidiladha is timely as many people are burdened by the rising prices of goods and the cost of living.
Retired civil servant Hussaini Marsan, 79, said the affordable sale of basic goods should be emulated by the Federal government so that the people, especially those in the low-income group (B40) would not continue to suffer.
The father of five who lives in Kampung Medan, Telok Panglima Garang here, admitted that the goods sold by PKPS are not only affordable but also of higher quality than those offered at the market or grocery store.
“Nowadays the people are affected because the prices of goods have gone up. Those who receive a monthly pension like me may be less affected, but what about others who receive low pay and have many children?
“This effort by PKPS and the Selangor government should be commended and I feel the same should be done at the Federal government level. Just imagine that I managed to save more than RM100 when I bought three trays of chicken eggs, two whole chickens and two kilogrammes (kg) of meat,” he said when met during the sale carnival at Taman Perwira, Sijangkang here yesterday.
Meanwhile, Suzila Panut, 47, never expected that the price of goods offered through the initiative would be cheaper, which provided relief to the residents living in her area, especially to those less fortunate.
“Even though I am a teacher, the sale of affordable goods like this is highly anticipated as the prices of goods are getting more expensive, especially before Hari Raya Aidiladha.
“Today I only need to spend RM70 to buy basic goods such as chicken, eggs and vegetables. If I were to buy similar items at the Aceh sundry shop I usually go to, the cost will be more than RM100,” she said.
Ong Siew Khoon, 44, hoped that PKPS would organise the initiative more frequently to reduce the impact of the rise in prices of goods in the market on the people.
“If the (Federal) government does not want to lower the price (of basic goods), then PKPS should organise affordable goods sale like this at least once a month,” said the mother of three who lives in Taman 10, Telok Panglima Garang.
Another visitor, M Vasanti, 47, wanted a similar programme to be held there in soon by bringing in more goods to meet the high demand of the residents.
“I only had time to buy two packets of cooking oil and missed out on other items. So I hope this can be done again because all items sold are cheaper, which is suitable for less fortunate people like me,” she said.
