Orang Asli make beeline for sale in Sungai Siput
THE Orang Asli community has a chance to stock up on essential goods at affordable prices during a 'Madani Rahmah Sale Programme' (PJRM) held at the Orang Asli One-Stop Centre (OAOSC) in Sungai Siput, Perak.
Despite the distance, Long Busu, 56, a rubber tapper from Legap regroupment scheme (RPS), said he drove nearly an hour to the centre to buy household items at reduced prices.
The Madani Rahmah Sale Programme at the Orang Asli One-Stop Centre in Sungai Siput also fosters community bonding. — Photos: Bernama Ali (centre) with his wife Abong Angah (right) buying fish at the Orang Asli One-Stop Centre in Sungai Siput.
Describing it as a highly beneficial government initiative for the low-income group, the father-of-six and grandfather-of-10 said the programme organised by Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry (KPDN) had significantly helped Orang Asli households, particularly those in remote areas.
'It is quite a long journey to get here but I came because the essential items are sold at low prices.
'I bought rice, chicken and cooking oil, which are cheaper here than at the supermarkets,' Long Busu told Bernama.
Long with a trolley-full of essential goods he bought at the Madani Rahmah sale.
Ali Busu, from Kampung Bawong, said the programme brought relief to the Orang Asli community in Bawong and Legap RPS as it saved them an even longer journey to Sungai Siput to buy daily necessities.
The 53-year-old said the initiative offered quality goods at reasonable prices.
'Despite the lower prices, the goods are good and fresh.
'There's no difference between the chicken, meat or dry goods sold here and those at the big markets.
'I also save on grocery expenses and that extra money can be saved or used for other things,' said the rubber tapper who has four children.
Zalinah Zabidi, 28, hopes that the programme will be expanded to other areas in the Orang Asli settlements of Bawong and Legap RPS.
'Some other residents knew about the sale but they didn't have transport, so they couldn't come.
'If possible, this sale should be brought from village to village so more people can benefit,' she said.
Zalinah, a general worker at SMK Bawong, said the programme was helpful as it not only reduced household expenses but also fostered community bonding.
'When there is a sale like this, it's not just about buying things, as we also get a chance to meet villagers from other areas, gather, chat and share problems,' she said.
She suggested that the programme should also include health screenings or other services such as aid registration.
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