Latest news with #KelantanDomesticTradeandCostofLivingMinistry
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
01-07-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Petrol, diesel smuggling slows as authorities clamp down at border
TUMPAT: Heightened enforcement by border security agencies along the Malaysia-Thailand border has led to a significant decline in petrol and diesel smuggling activities. A check at several petrol stations in the district revealed that the once-frequent activity of purchasing subsidised fuel for illegal cross-border trade has slowed noticeably, despite continued demand for fuel across the border. A source said many fuel smugglers have either temporarily suspended operations or shifted to alternative forms of smuggling following persistent enforcement efforts by agencies, especially the General Operations Force. "The enforcement presence is much tighter now. "Many regular smugglers have gone quiet. "Some are taking a break, others have moved on to smuggling different goods, and a few have quit the trade entirely," the source said. Checks also showed that only a handful of 4WD vehicles, commonly used by smugglers, were observed refuelling at stations near the border. "These are believed to be repeat buyers, who now make smaller purchases to avoid detection. "Those still active in smuggling are buying in small quantities per trip to reduce suspicion. "But overall, the volume of such activity has dropped," the source added. It is understood that while demand for Malaysian subsidised fuel remains high in neighbouring Thailand due to price differences, increased border patrols and roadblocks have made smuggling riskier and less lucrative. Meanwhile, Kelantan Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry director Azman Ismail confirmed the trend, attributing the decline to consistent enforcement actions under the Control of Supplies Act 1961. Last year alone, he said the ministry recorded 240 arrests, with the seizure of nearly 127,600 litres of petrol worth about RM276,400. Meanwhile, about 247,600 litres of diesel worth nearly RM600,000 were also seized, and 460 vehicles valued at RM4.25 million were confiscated last year. As of June this year, he said 102 arrests had been recorded, with the seizure of 25,781 litres of petrol valued at about RM55,365 and 21,353 litres of diesel worth RM61,180. "A total of 221 vehicles valued at about RM1.18 million were seized. "All cases are being investigated under the Act. "Some arrests were made based on referrals from other enforcement agencies, while others were initiated directly by the ministry. "The decrease in this activity is also due to the ban on illegal crossings enforced by the police effective from Dec 1 last year," said Azman.
