Penang shoppers can now buy fresh produce and essential goods at roughly 20% below market prices through a new state-backed sales programme.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow launched the “Jualan Sejahtera Pulau Pinang” at Masjid Al-Amin in Sungai Dua, north Seberang Perai, The Star reported. The programme is a joint effort between the state government and the Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (Fama).
A combo pack of rice, cooking oil and a whole chicken costs RM20, compared with the market price of RM33. More locations will be added as the roadshow expands.
“This is a joint effort to bring products directly to the people and ensure they have access to adequate supplies at lower-than-market prices,” Chow said after the launch.
The state has also allocated RM3.286 million in one-off aid for padi and vegetable farmers. Some 5,567 padi farmers and 1,005 vegetable growers will each receive RM500, with payments to be made soon.
Malay Mail reported the assistance fulfils a commitment under the Penang Unity Manifesto 2023, specifically Theme 10 on food supply chain security. It aims to help farmers cope with rising input costs, climate change pressures and labour shortages.
Penang currently manages 11,858 hectares of active padi cultivation, yielding an average of 4.69 metric tonnes per hectare. Vegetable farmers produced 10,648 metric tonnes throughout 2025.
The state is also partnering with the Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (Mardi) to modernise farming through technology and innovation. Three hundred and eighty-four community and urban gardens have been established, with a target of 500 by 2030.
Penang Fama director Mohd Hafiz Nurulhuda said more locations would be added to the programme. Chow said the initiative would also give local entrepreneurs and small traders a platform to market their products.
Present at the launch were state rural development, agrotechnology, food security and entrepreneurship committee chairman Datuk Rashidi Zinol, Pinang Tunggal assemblyman Bukhori Ghazali, deputy state secretary (Development) Datuk Mohamed Abdul Rahman, Mardi deputy director-general (Research) Dr Asfaliza Ramli, and Mardi Penang director Dr Nurulnahar Esa.
