THE Penang government is stepping up efforts to ease the rising cost of living through the Program Jualan Rahmah MADANI (PJRM), which offers essential goods at prices 10% to 30% lower than prevailing market rates.
State Trade and National Unity Committee chairman Goh Choon Aik (PH-Bukit Tambun) said the programme was an effective initiative to help households cope with rising living costs.
“Between 2024 and September 2026, 4,818 such programmes were held in Penang, attracting an estimated 5.33 million visitors.
“This initiative benefits the public by providing access to essential goods at more affordable prices, thereby helping to ease household expenditures,” he said.
To address rising prices and ensure stable supplies, the state government established the State Executive Council (MMK) Committee on Domestic Trade and Cost of Living on March 18 this year.
The committee coordinates efforts among state and federal government agencies and industry stakeholders, including the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry (KPDN), the Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (Fama), local authorities (PBT), the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM), livestock associations and other relevant departments.
These agencies work together to monitor prices and supplies and formulate appropriate intervention measures.
Goh said enforcement measures were also in place to ensure compliance with the law throughout the production and supply chains, preventing businesses from taking advantage of the situation to impose unreasonable mark-ups or engage in profiteering.
“The enforcement strategy ensures that every stage of the production and supply chain complies with the law and does not take advantage of the situation to impose unreasonable profit margins,” he said.
During the sitting, Sungai Puyu assemblywoman Phee Syn Tze (PH-Sungai Puyu) asked about the programme’s impact on small traders and retailers, and whether the state government planned to work with KPDN to assist those affected by its implementation.
In reply, Goh said the state government encouraged local entrepreneurs to participate in MADANI programmes and major trade events, subject to the respective requirements.
“We want to ensure that the benefits of economic development are not enjoyed solely by multinational corporations and large-scale industries, but also reach small-scale traders, food operators, local product manufacturers and micro-entrepreneurs.
“We involve local traders in these programmes to give them opportunities to participate in and benefit from the various initiatives organised by the government.
“Programmes such as these provide a platform for local entrepreneurs to introduce their products, enhance brand visibility and build business networks with customers and potential business partners,” he said.
Past events included the Jom Malaysia 2026 Festival (Northern Zone), organised by KPDN from Sept 17 to 20; the Hebatkan Perniagaan Malaysia Carnival, organised by the Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Ministry (KUSKOP) on Sept 26 and 27; and National Sports Day on Oct 24, during which nine MADANI programmes were held.
Goh said the state government would continue to support efforts to expand local entrepreneurs’ participation in promotional activities, trade events and entrepreneurship programmes to ensure that Penang’s economic growth was more inclusive and benefited all segments of society.
“This is the spirit we wish to foster through the MADANI agenda, ensuring that economic growth does not merely reflect positive figures, but also delivers tangible opportunities and benefits to the people,” he said.
Story by Ammar Mikhail Aamer