Kuala lumpur: The MADANI Cooperative and Entrepreneur Sales (JMKU) programme is a government initiative aimed at helping to ease the cost-of-living burden on the people, while also stimulating business activities among cooperatives and local entrepreneurs.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister Steven Sim Chee Keong stated that the programme offers essential goods at prices 20 to 30 per cent lower than market rates, with the participation of various cooperatives, agencies, and small traders. Today's JMKU programme, implemented in collaboration with Sungai Puyu assemblywoman Phee Syn Tze, marks the third edition held in Penang after Bukit Mertajam and Bertam, with support from agencies such as the Malaysia Co-operative Societies Commission (SKM) and the National Cooperative Movement of Malaysia (ANGKASA).

'The main focus of this programme is to help the public obtain essential goods such as rice, flour, cleaning products, chicken, meat, eggs, and cooking oil at lower prices, while also providing opportunities for cooperatives and entrepreneurs to generate income,' Sim remarked. He highlighted additional discounts through a 'happy hour' promotion held from 11 am to 12 noon, further increasing savings for consumers. At the programme, chicken priced at around RM15 in the market was sold at RM12, and further reduced to RM10 during the 'happy hour'.

The programme showcases a variety of essential items, including dry goods such as rice, soap, cooking oil, sugar, soy sauce, milk, sardines, and wheat flour, as well as fresh items like chicken, meat, fish, and tiger prawns. Sim added that the programme would continue throughout the year, subject to allocations and financial capacity, as the prices offered are subsidised. He expressed hope that such programmes could be expanded to more areas to benefit a larger number of people, particularly those in the low- and middle-income groups.

Meanwhile, Phee noted that the programme also serves as a platform for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to obtain information and access to financing through relevant agencies. 'Besides helping consumers, this programme also provides opportunities for SME players to engage with agencies such as KUSKOP to obtain information on financing and business support,' she explained.