The government confirms stable nationwide stocks of essential goods ahead of Chinese New Year and Ramadan, with hundreds of subsidised sales programmes planned.

PUTRAJAYA: The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (KPKM) has assured the public of a stable and sufficient supply of basic food items nationwide. This covers essentials like eggs, chicken, beef, fish, vegetables and fruits ahead of the Chinese New Year celebration and the upcoming Ramadan month.

The ministry stated its focus is on strengthening management at the production source level. This effort aims to guarantee a continuous supply despite an expected surge in demand during the festive periods.

“The KPKM is committed to ensuring the readiness of the national food supply is at the optimum level to meet domestic needs throughout this festive season,” it said in a statement. It added that 478 Agro MADANI Sales (JAM) programmes were already held nationwide from January 1 to February 8.

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Through these JAM programmes, the public can purchase selected basic items at prices 10% to 30% lower than local market prices. In conjunction with Chinese New Year, Ramadan and the pre-Syawal period, the Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (FAMA) is set to hold 572 more JAM programmes.

These will involve 430 programmes at FAMA retail outlets and 142 at government premises and selected residential areas. The programme offers supplies of vegetables, fruits, fish, eggs and groceries at lower prices to help ease the cost of living.

“The government will ensure that everyone has access to sufficient food supplies throughout the festive period without worrying about the availability of supplies in the market,” the statement added.

 The Sun Malaysia