The 61 Controlled Fresh Market (PST) locations established nationwide, as of today, have recorded a total sale of more than RM11 million.
Minister of Agriculture and Food Industry (MOA) Datuk Seri Dr Ronald Kiandee said the establishment of the PST during the period of the Movement Control Order (MCO) was to continue ensuring sufficient food for the people.
In addition, it is also to help the front-line workers in the food industry sell their produce.
"Among the problems faced (by the public, fishermen, farmers and livestock farmers) during the MCO period are the number of business outlets closed, besides the supermarkets which were allowed to operate.
"So the PST was created under the concept of a supermarket, complete with the aspect of health screening to help the public and the frontline workers of the national food industry," he said during a Ruang Bicara programme titled 'COVID-19: Food Safety Assurance', tonight.
The Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (FAMA) had so far opened 44 PST locations while the Farmers' Organisation (LPP) has 17 PST locations nationwide, with 36 more PST locations to be opened in stages.
Kiandee said among the PST fresh produce sales were vegetables, fruits, poultry, fish, meat, groceries and agricultural produce.
He said the PST was also set up to curb the issue of dumping fresh goods, including vegetables and fruits as they were not sold due to the MCO, while guaranteeing that the government would continue to ensure that food supply and food security remained at their best levels.
"The government through the MOA and agencies under the ministry will continue to take steps to facilitate the delivery, sale, retail, wholesale and so on to ensure that food items remain in every Malaysian home.
"To date, the Ministry of International Trade and Industry has granted approval to operate more than four thousand factories throughout the MCO period including those related to the food industry, including processing and seafood factories, plastic packing factories and so on," he said.
Meanwhile, Stakeholder Management SOLS24/7 director Alya Syahida Allias said that people and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) must know of the things needed by the person and group they want to donate or contribute to, to avoid food waste problem.
Alya said, by identifying the need of certain groups, it also helped them in terms of welfare and also cut the food waste problem especially when MCO started.
"What the needy really needs differs from community to community. For the homeless, right now they need a lot of basic essentials and fundings. For the frontliners, they prefer to have dry food, biscuits, 3 in 1 stuff, buns and cups noodle.
"For the communities at the People's Housing Projects (PPR), they prefer to have groceries, and for MCO, we try our best to prevent people from going out," she said on Tehmina Kaoosji live Instagram called 'The Point' discussing Food Security and Waste during MCO.
Alya also advised NGO to only donate what the recipients needed, not the items the donors want to contribute.
-- BERNAMA
Bernama
Fri Apr 10 2020
Kiandee said among the PST fresh produce sales were vegetables, fruits, poultry, fish, meat, groceries and agricultural produce. - File picture
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.
NFOF will be operational in November 2024 with funding of RM1 bil
PM Anwar Ibrahim said NFOF will support venture capital fund managers to invest in startup companies with RM300 million set aside for 2025.
Minimum wage to increase to RM1,700 effective Feb 1, 2025
The Progressive Wage Policy would be fully enforced next year with an allocation of RM200 million, benefiting 50,000 workers.
Bursa Malaysia ends higher on Budget 2025 optimism
The benchmark index, which opened 1.85 points higher at 1,643.29, moved between 1,641.71 and 1,649.31 throughout the trading session.
Five important aspects relating to people’s lives in Budget 2025 - PM
The focus is on driving the MADANI Economy, speeding reforms, cutting red tape, raising wages, and tackling the cost of living.