Kuala Lumpur: The government has announced plans to expand its affordable goods program to ensure that essential items are available at lower prices during the festive season, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi revealed. As the chairman of the National Action Council on Cost of Living (Naccol), Ahmad Zahid explained that the initiative will include the Rahmah MADANI Sales, Pre-Syawal Sales at Farmers’ Markets, and Agro MADANI Sales.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security has assured the public that the supply of 11 main agro-food items, such as rice, coconut, chicken, and eggs, will remain sufficient throughout Ramadan and the preparations for Hari Raya Aidilfitri. This assurance was part of the discussions during the Naccol Executive Committee Meeting No. 1 of 2025, attended by Minister of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali, Deputy Dr Fuziah Salleh, senior ministry officials, and other stakeholders.
The meeting also addressed the rising medical cost inflation, which has led to increased health insurance and takaful claims. To mitigate this, measures like premium adjustment rates distribution, deferral of premium adjustments, and alternative product provisions have been identified to control the Medical and Health Insurance/Takaful (MHIT) premium hikes.
Additionally, Ahmad Zahid emphasized the need to expedite the national health sector reform initiative over a three-year period starting from 2024 to 2026. Bank Negara Malaysia, in conjunction with the Ministry of Health and the Employees Provident Fund, will work on developing basic health insurance and takaful products focusing on value-based healthcare.
The meeting also reviewed initiatives by the Social Security Organisation aimed at strengthening social protection and improving job matching to reduce income disparities. Efforts will be intensified to ensure efficient job matching, provide employer incentives to hire from needy groups, and strengthen social protection for economic security.
Ahmad Zahid reiterated the government’s commitment to addressing cost of living challenges through income enhancement programs, affordable goods sales, and cash assistance, ensuring the well-being of the populace amidst current economic challenges.