RM202.5 million for distribution of essential items in Sabah

Daily Express

2 days ago

Published on: Tuesday, August 12, 2025
Published on: Tue, Aug 12, 2025
By: Amir Anuar Text Size: Fuziah showing the Rahmah Basic Contribution (Sara) programme which has a terminal at Kampung Sungai Tongkang, enabling islanders to buy goods using their MyKad. TAWAU: The Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry (KPDN) is committed to ensuring that no rural community, including those on islands, is left out from receiving essential goods at prices equal to other areas. This commitment is implemented through the Essential Goods Distribution Programme (PPBP), which has been in place since 2009, involving the supply of seven subsidised items — white rice, coarse refined white sugar, wheat flour, pure palm cooking oil, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), RON95 petrol and diesel.
Advertisement Deputy Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister, Senator Datuk Dr Fuziah Salleh, said in line with the aim of safeguarding the welfare of rural and island residents, the Ministry has extended the programme's implementation period from 2025 to 2027. 'The Government has allocated RM202.5 million for the implementation of PPBP from May 2025 to April 2027 throughout Sabah, including over RM8 million for the Tawau district,' she said after a working visit to Sebatik Island, here. She said the move would ensure that 607 Point of Sale (POS) systems in 228 distribution areas across the State benefit almost half a million people, including over 29,000 in Tawau. At the same time, four main zones under KPDN Tawau, namely Sebatik, Balung, Kalabakan and Apas, have been identified as focus areas, involving 40 active POS for monthly deliveries of essential goods. 'The monthly distribution quota under this programme covers 94,605kg of white rice, 23,888kg of white sugar, 10,041kg of wheat flour, 16,966kg of cooking oil, 5,800 LPG cylinders, 68,800 litres of RON95 petrol and 77,200 litres of diesel. 'This programme also provides subsidies to selected transport companies to distribute essential and controlled goods from supply centres to POS in rural and island areas,' she said. She added that the PPBP's implementation reflects the Madani government's concern in assisting the people, particularly those in rural areas facing logistical challenges and high transportation costs. According to her, Sabah is part of the Madani core that continues to receive attention in the national development agenda, with Tawau as clear proof that all communities are reached by the Ministry. She called for strong cooperation from all parties — transporters, wholesalers and community leaders — to ensure the PPBP is carried out smoothly, efficiently and achieves its intended objectives. 'The support and commitment of all parties are vital to safeguarding the integrity of the supply chain, ensuring there are no disruptions or delays in the distribution process and guaranteeing that essential goods reach the target groups. 'This close cooperation will strengthen the programme's effectiveness and serve as a catalyst for building a more resilient and robust supply network for communities in the long term,' she said. On her working visit to Kampung Pantai Mas-Mas and Kampung Sungai Tongkang in Sebatik, Dr Fuziah acknowledged witnessing first-hand the transportation and connectivity challenges in these areas. She was also pleased to find that the Rahmah Basic Contribution (Sara) programme has a terminal at Kampung Sungai Tongkang, enabling island residents to purchase goods using their MyKad. Responding to a question on leakages, she said so far, the Ministry has not received any related information but is aware that Sebatik's border location exposes it to such issues. 'KPDN is not working alone in addressing this issue, as we are cooperating with other agencies that are jointly carrying out efforts to ensure leakages do not occur,' she said. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available.
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