Consumer groups welcome the proposal to add fresh food to the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah programme to help low-income households access healthier meals.

PETALING JAYA: Consumer groups have given the thumbs up to the government plan to add fresh goods to the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (Sara) programme.

Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations CEO Dr Saravanan Tambhirajah said the potential inclusion of fresh items such as vegetables, fruits, fish and chicken under the programme would be a positive and practical step.

He said basic assistance programmes should reflect the actual consumption patterns of households, adding that fresh food is an essential part of daily nutrition.

“Many low-income households struggle not only to purchase packaged essentials but also to afford fresh and nutritious food. Allowing these items under the programme could help improve dietary quality and ease the pressure from rising food prices.”

Saravanan said including perishable goods in a nationwide assistance programme may present operational challenges, particularly in ensuring that supply could meet a potential surge in demand.

“When assistance is credited at the same time, there may be a rush to purchase fresh items, which could strain supply at participating retailers if supply chains are not well coordinated.”

He stressed that proper storage, handling and restocking would be crucial.

He added that the current monthly allocation may need to be reviewed if fresh items are included, as these products are typically more expensive and may not stretch far for households purchasing protein sources such as chicken or meat.

“Expanding the programme could also create opportunities to support local farmers, fishermen and small suppliers if the supply chain is structured to prioritise local sourcing.”

Pertubuhan Mesra Pengguna Malaysia deputy president Azlin Othman said the inclusion of fresh items would make the Sara programme more effective as such foods, which are often beyond the reach of many households, are key to a healthy diet.

“The expansion could be realised if the programme is properly managed. The government could collaborate with supermarkets, local markets and registered vendors that already have adequate storage and supply systems.

“Clear guidelines and monitoring will also help ensure that the quality of fresh items is maintained.”

Azlin acknowledged that there could be challenges as perishable goods require proper storage, faster distribution and strict quality control to prevent spoilage, particularly in rural or remote areas.

“Nonetheless, these challenges can be addressed through proper planning and partnerships with existing retailers.”

Consumers Association of Penang president Mohideen Abdul Kader said the plan to expand the list of basic necessities under Sara is a timely and encouraging step towards helping low-income households cope with the rising cost of living.

He said the initiative would not only help reduce the financial burden on families but also enable them to access healthier and more balanced meals, benefitting children, the elderly and overall family wellbeing.

It was reported that the government plans to expand the Sara programme to include fresh goods, pending studies to ensure quality, safety and consumer protection before any final decision is made.

The government recently expanded the programme to include frozen foods as a new category starting Feb 9, bringing the total number of categories to 15, up from 14.

The number of items available for purchase under the programme has also increased to 140,000, up from 100,000 previously.

 The Sun Malaysia