MADANI Raya Sales Programme Offers Essentials Up to 30% Cheaper in Penang
BUKIT MERTAJAM – Residents in Penang are benefiting from lower-priced household essentials through the MADANI Raya Sales Programme organised by Kementerian Pembangunan Usahawan dan Koperasi.
Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister Steven Sim Chee Keong said the initiative aims to help Malaysians manage their daily expenses, particularly as the Aidilfitri festive season approaches.
He noted that the programme also plays a role in stimulating cooperative-based businesses by providing a platform for local cooperatives to market their products directly to consumers.
“The programme offers a wide range of essential goods including rice, cooking oil, canned food, chicken, beef and eggs at prices lower than the market rate.
“In addition, festive items such as traditional cookies, snacks and spices are also available at more affordable prices,” he said after launching the programme at the Bukit Mertajam parliamentary service centre compound.
Discounts Up to 30 Per Cent
The two-day sales event offers products at around 20 per cent below prevailing market prices.
However, during a special promotional period known as “Happy Hour”, discounts for selected items are increased to as much as 30 per cent to attract more visitors.
Sim said the MADANI Raya Sales Programme is not merely a discounted sales event but part of a broader effort by the ministry and the Suruhanjaya Koperasi Malaysia to strengthen the role of cooperatives in the retail sector.
He added that cooperatives can serve as an important economic driver for local communities while helping ensure stable prices for essential goods.
RM4 Chicken Promotion Draws Crowd
One of the most popular promotions during the event is the sale of 1,000 chickens priced at RM4 each, significantly lower than the market price of around RM12.
Beef is also being sold at RM23 per kilogram, with each visitor limited to purchasing one kilogram to ensure fair distribution among customers.
Sim said the programme received encouraging support from the public since its first day.
“Yesterday we recorded around 800 visitors with total sales reaching approximately RM30,000.
“We expect overall sales to reach RM100,000 over the two-day event with attendance projected to range between 1,000 and 2,000 visitors,” he said.
The discounted prices are made possible through subsidies provided by the ministry to ensure essential goods remain affordable for consumers.
Strengthening Cooperative Participation
Sim added that the event marks the first MADANI Raya sales programme organised this year, with plans to expand the initiative to other locations in Penang.
The ministry hopes such programmes will further strengthen cooperative participation in local commerce while bringing economic opportunities closer to communities.
In a statement, the ministry said the initiative aligns with the wellbeing values promoted under the Malaysia MADANI framework, reflecting the government’s commitment to easing the financial burden on households.
Since its introduction in 2022, the programme has generated more than RM5 million in cumulative sales and benefited over 417,000 visitors nationwide.
Visitors Welcome Lower Prices
One visitor, Zuraidah Ismail, 70, said she attended the programme specifically to purchase kitchen supplies in preparation for Aidilfitri.
She noted that the prices offered were significantly lower compared with regular retail outlets, helping her manage household expenses.
“The prices here are much cheaper. That’s why I came even though there are other sales happening elsewhere today.
“For example, chicken here costs only RM4 each while beef is RM23 per kilogram,” she said.
Another visitor, Zulkifli Saad, 53, also praised the initiative, saying the discounted prices for essential items are especially helpful as many families prepare for the festive season.
-wilayah.com.my
