By Sheeda Fathil
SHAH ALAM, Oct 3 — Kota Damansara state assemblyman Muhammad Izuan Ahmad Kasim has proposed the state government establish Jualan Ehsan Rahmah (JER) stores in each state constituency to facilitate the public’s access to basic daily necessities.
He said doing so will also benefit more residents, particularly those from the B40 community, by enabling them to purchase goods at lower prices.
“We know the Selangor Agricultural Development Corporation (PKPS) has opened outlets selling items similar to JER. However, it would be better if they could be established in every state constituency.
“Through these stores, buyers would not have to search for affordable sales locations every day and endure long queues,” Muhammad Izuan said after inspecting the JER sales in his constituency yesterday.
JER, introduced last year, has benefitted over five million residents and offers various basic items, including standard chickens for RM10 each and Grade B chicken eggs (RM10 per tray).
The Malaysia Book of Records has recognised PKPS for conducting the largest subsidised chicken and egg sales within a two-day period for the Hari Raya Aidilfitri period this year.
Meanwhile, the assemblyman also hopes that issues related to infrastructure improvements, especially in his constituency, will receive attention in the state budget for the coming year.
This is based on the complaints from residents during the last state election campaign, who want enhanced infrastructure.
“As we know, the rich and the poor, the old and the young, all use the same infrastructure such as roads, drains, and streetlights; it includes all groups.
“Therefore, I hope the state government can consider allocating 10 to 15 per cent of the state’s reserve for managing old, unmaintained infrastructure in the upcoming budget,” he said.
Muhammad Izuan added that improving infrastructure benefits not only local residents but also visitors from outside of Selangor.
“I do not mean new development, but rather, the people want the existing infrastructure to be repaired or maintained, as Kota Damansara is also an area which attracts many people.
“There are many potholed roads, faded road markings on several routes around Kota Damansara, including streetlights and drains, which I believe should be refurbished,” he said.
