JOHOR BAHRU, March 13 (Bernama) -- The supply of coconuts and coconut milk in the state has stabilised after experiencing shortages earlier this year, said State Investment, Trade, Consumer Affairs, and Human Resources Committee chairman Lee Ting Han.
He said the Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (FAMA), Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) and other relevant agencies have ensured sufficient supply, especially in the lead-up to Hari Raya Aidilfitri.
He highlighted that the government has also taken proactive measures by organising Rahmah Sales to offer the items at lower prices.
"As of now, the supply is stable, though we acknowledge that prices have increased slightly between RM16 and RM17 from the previous average of RM12 to RM14.
"We are providing subsidies and a 30 percent discount at today’s Rahmah Sales. Coconuts are being sold at RM12 per kg," he said after a walkabout at KPDN’s MADANI Rahmah Sales at the Taman Perling market, accompanied by KPDN state director Lilis Saslinda Pornomo.
He added that the state government and relevant agencies will continue to explore measures such as increasing stock and supply to stabilise prices in the long term.
Last month, the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security initiated steps to stabilise the domestic coconut supply by importing and distributing 661,761 coconuts, equivalent to 661 metric tons, to address the nationwide shortage.
Meanwhile, the Rahmah Sales initiative in Johor is being expanded to selected markets to complement the current programme held indoors, outdoors, and in mobile sales.
The programme is held once a month, involving traders at markets under the supervision of local authorities. The Taman Perling market is the first market in the state to hold the sales.
So far, 20 out of 98 traders have participated in the programme, offering discounts of 10 percent to 30 percent on essential items, including chicken, fish, vegetables, meat, eggs, coconuts and coconut milk, among others.
-- BERNAMA
TAGS: KPDN, Lee Ting Han, coconuts, coconut milk, price, stabilised, supply, MADANI Rahmah Sales
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