Tepoh: More than 800 chickens, priced at RM6.80 per kilogram, were sold out within about two hours at the Jualan Rahmah MADANI Programme (PJRM) held at the compound of Kampung Banggol Binjai Mosque, Tepoh, here today. PJRM operator Muhamad Fadhil Muhamed reported that besides chicken, other raw items such as meat, sold at RM21 per kg, were also snapped up within the same period.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the public began flocking in as early as 8 am to purchase raw ingredients and other basic necessities. The programme enabled them to obtain essential food items at lower prices, while traders benefitted by generating additional income. Muhamad Fadhil noted a significant increase in public turnout, especially with the availability of the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) payment facility, which in turn boosted sales at the PJRM.

"On average, I estimate about 400 people use SARA to purchase items at each PJRM. Wherever the programme is held, the community will ask when the next one will be organised because they look forward to it, especially when SARA payment counters are provided to ease transactions," he said.

Housewife Hamidah Mohd, 45, expressed that she did not want to miss the opportunity to buy basic necessities through PJRM using the SARA assistance she received. The initiative has helped the low-income group by offering items at reasonable prices, easing their daily financial burden. "It is very convenient to shop here because the items sold are affordable and of good quality. With just RM100, I am able to buy various basic necessities to stock up at home," she said.

Meanwhile, government retiree Jamilah Awang, 57, shared that the programme allowed her to buy fresh produce, including a chicken and three kg of meat, for her household needs. "The prices offered through PJRM are far more reasonable than market prices, helping us to save on our daily expenses, amid the rising cost of living. In the past, I used to buy chicken at supermarkets, but the prices here are cheaper and very helpful for me as a retiree to save," she said.

Civil servant Wan Rokiah Mustafa, 44, also voiced her satisfaction with the quality of the fresh food items sold, which were offered at affordable prices. "Thank you to the government for coming up with a programme like this, which makes it easier for the public to obtain basic necessities at lower prices, such as chicken sold at RM6.80 per kg, which greatly helps families, especially those with many dependants," she added.