PENANG has restructured its state trade portfolio to sharpen focus on current economic challenges, with state Trade and National Unity Committee chairman Goh Choon Aik announcing a split into two key areas – international trade, and domestic trade and cost of living.
Goh, who is also Bukit Tambun assemblyman, said the move is aimed at strengthening the state’s trade ecosystem in line with the Penang 2030 vision.
“This restructuring allows us to better address pressing issues affecting supply, pricing and overall market stability,” he said after visiting Mydin Hypermarket in Bukit Mertajam.
He added that the initiative is guided by the aspiration of “healthy trade, sustainable supply and reasonable prices.”
As part of the restructuring, Goh said a comprehensive supply database will be developed to monitor real-time supply and demand across various sectors, including agriculture, livestock, aquaculture and fisheries.
“The main objective is to strengthen the business ecosystem through accurate data, stabilise the supply of essential goods and ensure prices remain reasonable to ease the people’s cost of living,” he said.
To support the initiative, Goh said a special committee comprising key agencies such as the Malaysia Competition Commission (MyCC), Companies Commission of Malaysia (SSM), Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (FAMA), Intellectual Property Corporation of Malaysia (MyIPO), Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers (FMM), consumer associations as well as representatives from the food and fisheries industries will be formed.
“The committee’s first meeting is scheduled to take place in April,” he added.
Goh mentioned several state assemblymen – Azrul Mahathir Aziz (Bayan Lepas), Lee Boon Heng (Kebun Bunga) and K. Kumaran (Bagan Dalam) – have also been appointed to ensure grassroots concerns are reflected in policy decisions.
On consumer welfare, he said the state government will continue to strengthen cooperation with the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry through the Rahmah Sales programme.
“The focus will be on rural areas, particularly those far from commercial centres, to ensure access to affordable goods without affecting existing retailers,” he said.
Commenting on festive season preparations, Goh said checks at a hypermarket in Bukit Mertajam showed sufficient supply of food and essential items.
“I also commend traders who are offering controlled goods at prices below the government’s ceiling price,” he said.
He added that the state will continue organising consumer awareness campaigns and dialogue sessions to protect public interests and promote informed purchasing decisions.
