KINABATANGAN, The government has allocated RM79.7 million so far for the Distribution Programme of Necessary Goods, Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) and Community Drumming in Sabah, said Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali.

He said this programme has been implemented in 71 zones, involving a total 219 distribution areas as well as 654 points of sale.

“This has given a positive impact to more than 529,948 people in the state. In Sandakan, the programme involves 19 zones covering 51 areas and not only benefits 109,314 rural residents, but small traders also enjoy an abundance of sustenance,” he said.

He said this in a statement after officiating the Scheduled Controlled Goods Licence (CSA) Ceremony for the official operation of the Distribution Programme of Necessary Goods, LPG and Community Drumming for the Abai Zone near here today.

Armizan said the government is expanding the implementation of the programme by adding two more new zones in Sabah, namely the Abai Zone, Ki
nabatangan and Gana Zone, Kota Marudu.

He said the selection of Kampung Abai as a new zone in this implementation programme is to ensure 350 residents in the area will have access to basic necessities, controlled items, and subsidised controlled items at the same prices in Sandakan city.

“Among the items involved are rice, refined white sugar, wheat flour, cooking oil, LPG, RON95 petrol and diesel in the listed rural areas.

Before the programme’s expansion, residents of Kampung Abai obtained essential items such as cooking oil packets and refined white sugar at a price of RM3.50 compared to the controlled price of RM2.50 and RM2.85. As for LPG, residents purchased it at a rate of RM45 per barrel, compared to the controlled price of RM26.60/barrel,” he said.

He said the Price Standardisation for the Distribution of Necessary Goods, LPG and Community Drumming programme, implemented by his ministry, is a manifestation of the MADANI government’s concern to look into the needs of the people while further incre
asing the effectiveness of providing services in helping to ease the burden of the cost of living.

He also said for this year, the federal government allocated RM225 million for this implementation programme involving six states namely Sabah, Sarawak, Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang and Kedah.

“This involves the granting of government subsidies through the appointed transporter company that provides the service of transporting essential items and selected controlled items from the point of supply to the point of sale,” he added.

Source: BERNAMA News Agency