Aid distribution: NGOs should avoid buying essential goods in flood affected areas

Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi said the purchase of essential goods in bulk in the flood affected areas was also feared to give negative perceptions and lead to panic despite adequate food supply.

"For example, the situation of running out of cooking oil in the affected areas, when we investigated was not because it is not enough, but because it was purchased in large quantities by the donors.

"We appreciate and welcome donations and hope it continues, but we hope that supplies are not bought in nearby areas, for example at grocery stores in small towns," he said in a press conference after officiating the Segar@Mesra programme at Petronas Prima Saujana 2 Station, here, yesterday.

Also present at the event were Agriculture and Food Industry Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ronald Kiandee, Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Deputy Minister Datuk Rosol Wahid and Petronas vice-president (Marketing) Ahmad Adly Alias.

Meanwhile, Ahmad Adly said Segar@Mesra with the cooperation of the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry and the Agriculture and Food Industry Ministry aims to help producers, farmers and breeders to increase their income by marketing directly at Kedai Mesra Petronas.

He said the programme was implemented at four Petronas stations before being expanded to 750 stations nationwide.

Ahmad Adly said the pilot project was started at Petronas Unikeb 2 (Section 4 Bandar Baru Bangi), Persiaran Jaya (Sungai Ramal Dalam), Prima Saujana 2 (Kajang) and Pelangi (Semenyih).

"If encouraging response is received from consumers, we will expand the programme to more Kedai Mesra. This programme is expected to be a win-win situation for breeders, farmers, fishermen and consumers," he said.