Latest news with #EssentialGoodsDistributionProgramme
The Sun
2 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
RM3.3 mln aid for rural communities in Gua Musang
GUA MUSANG: The government has allocated over RM3.3 million to support rural communities in Pos Brooke and Kuala Betis through the Essential Goods Distribution Programme. The initiative, running from this year until 2027, aims to provide six essential goods—white rice, white sugar, wheat flour, cooking oil, LPG, and RON95 petrol—at prices matching urban rates. Kelantan Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry (KPDN) director Azman Ismail said the programme will benefit over 9,000 residents. 'This effort ensures rural consumers access basic necessities without price disparities,' he told reporters after the programme launch in Pos Brooke. Transportation costs for the goods will be fully covered by the government, with a contracted transporter delivering supplies from source points to rural sales centres. The estimated cost for Kuala Betis is RM1,185,409, while Pos Brooke's allocation exceeds RM2,187,840. Azman emphasised KPDN's commitment to improving rural livelihoods through this initiative. – Bernama
Barnama
2 days ago
- Business
- Barnama
KPDN Allocates Over RM3.3 Mln To Lessen Burden Of Rural Community
GUA MUSANG, July 29 (Bernama) -- The government has allocated over RM3.3 million to implement the Essential Goods Distribution Programme in areas around Pos Brooke and Kuala Betis for three years starting this year. Kelantan Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry (KPDN) director Azman Ismail said the programme was aimed at ensuring consumers in rural communities obtain basic goods at prices that are aligned with prices in urban areas. He said the programme, spanning this year to 2027, focuses on six main goods -- white rice, white sugar, wheat flour, cooking oil, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and RON95 petrol. 'The programme is expected to give great benefits to over 9,000 rural residents in Pos Brooke and Kuala Betis, and at the same time reduce the gap in the price of basic goods between urban and rural areas," he told reporters after the programme at Pos Brooke here today. Azman said the government will also bear the full costs of transportation for the six types of goods that are the basic needs of the people through the programme. "Transportation services are carried out by an appointed transporter company responsible for bringing goods from the point of source to the sales centre in the rural areas. "The estimated contract cost for the implementation of this programme for the three years is over RM1,185,409 in Kuala Betis and over RM2,187,840 in Pos Brooke," he said, adding that the KPDN would continue to be committed to ensuring the people's well-being through the implementation of this programme. -- BERNAMA
New Straits Times
23-04-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
MySTEP move means no job security for price monitoring officers, says Cuepcas
KUALA TERENGGANU: The Congress of Unions of Employees in the Public and Civil Services (Cuepacs) opposes the proposal to transfer price monitoring officers under the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry to the the MySTEP scheme. Cuepacs president Datuk Dr Adnan Mat said the move would erode their job security and welfare. Adnan said price monitoring officers had been serving since 2008 under the Contract for Service system, but are now being proposed for transfer to MySTEP. He said the move would mean officers would get a lower grade, as well as no job security and welfare benefits. Adnan said these officers played a crucial role in monitoring the price movement of 480 goods (stock keeping units — SKU). "In addition, they are involved in key government programmes, including the Essential Goods Distribution Programme, Jualan Rahmah Madani, the Buy Malaysian Products campaign, Price Catcher app promotion and consumer advocacy efforts. "These duties are vital in ensuring price stability and preventing price manipulation that could burden the public," he said. Adnan was speaking at a press conference after a Hari Raya celebration in Chendering here today. He said price monitoring officers had been on contract for 18 years without any salary increment or career progression. He said shifting officers to MySTEP would mean they would be on short-term contracts without job stability, and lose benefits such as annual leave and access to medical care enjoyed by civil servants. Adnan said the scheme would not include Employees Provident Fund or the Social Security Organisation contributions. He said this would mean officers would lack retirement savings and social security protection. "The majority of price monitoring officers hold degree-level qualifications with a monthly salary of around RM2,400, and the MySTEP scheme does not guarantee income growth. "The current challenging economic climate will significantly impact the officers, especially those with families and dependants," he said. Adnan said in the past 18 years, various proposals had been submitted so that price monitoring officers had stable employment, but no concrete action had been taken. "We demand that price monitoring officers be granted permanent positions or at least be upgraded to Contract for Service status. "The salaries of price monitoring officers should be ... increased in line with the rising cost of living, and the officers should be provided with leave and medical benefits similar to other public servants. "Price monitoring officers must be entitled to EPF and Perkeso contributions to ensure they have adequate social protection and retirement savings," he said. Adnan urged the government to reconsider the decision, and defend the welfare and job stability of these officers.
