The Madani Cheapest Sale Programme, an initiative of the Malaysian government, has been garnering significant attention for its ability to offer substantial savings to consumers, particularly during festive seasons. This programme is part of a broader effort to alleviate the financial burdens associated with the cost of living, especially for lower-income groups.
The programme, launched on January 11, 2023, by the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry, aims to provide daily necessities at prices up to 30% cheaper than normal market rates. NV Subbarow, education officer of the Consumers’ Association of Penang (CAP), highlighted the benefits of this initiative, stating that goods sold at Rahmah sales are not only cheaper but also of better quality. Subbarow emphasized the importance of such sales, especially during festive periods like Deepavali, when consumers typically purchase more goods to celebrate.
During the Deepavali celebrations, the Penang-level Ihsan MADANI Rahmah Sales Programme (PJIRM) was implemented to help ease the financial burden on the public. S. Jegan, director of the State Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry, explained that this programme is a collaboration between the ministry and the private sector to offer essential goods and festive items at lower and more affordable prices. This initiative includes strategic partnerships with retailers like Billion Shopping Centre Sdn Bhd, which has committed to selling Deepavali clothing and items at discounted rates.
The programme has been well-received by consumers, who appreciate the significant savings it offers. Mohd Syukran Rahmad, a factory worker, shared his experience at the Madani Cheapest Sale, where he and his wife managed to buy two sacks of rice, sugar, wheat flour, packet oil, chicken, and fish, all at prices cheaper than market rates. He noted that shopping at Madani or Rahmah Sales helps his family save up to RM100 monthly.
Nurul Atikah Mohd Fauzi, a housewife, also expressed her satisfaction with the programme, highlighting that it allows her to save up to 30% on groceries, particularly on rice and other essentials. She praised the quality of the products and the significant price reductions, such as chicken being sold at RM7.50 per kilo, compared to the market price of RM9.
The Madani Cheapest Sale Programme is part of a larger governmental initiative to improve the wellbeing of the people. The Northern Zone Madani Rakyat Programme, for instance, is a comprehensive event that includes various activities and services, such as the Madani Mega Sale, Agro Madani Sale, and other exhibitions. This programme, organized by the Prime Minister’s Office through the Project Acceleration and Coordination Unit (PACU), aims to provide opportunities for local communities to understand and benefit from new policies and initiatives implemented by the federal government.
In addition to the sales programme, the Northern Zone Madani Rakyat event offers a range of services, including traffic compound and summonsse discounts, helmet exchanges, and registration counters for Rahmah Cash Aid. The event also features cultural performances, public talks, and career fairs, all designed to cater to the diverse needs of the community.
The Madani Cheapest Sale Programme has been a welcome initiative for many Malaysians, providing them with essential goods at affordable prices and helping to alleviate the financial pressures associated with daily living and festive celebrations.
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