BERA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said cooperatives nationwide could play their role to help overcome the problem of rising prices of goods and reduce the stress and financial burden of the people affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
He said one of the ways would be through the setting up of a wholesale cooperative to supply goods in bulk at cheap prices to all cooperatives and this would enable the people to get goods at cheaper prices.
"Cooperatives can play a role in helping to reduce pressure on the people. There are many cooperatives, but most of them buy goods from wholesale shops in small quantities, such as rice or sugar at round 100 to 200 packets a month.
"If a special wholesale cooperative, they (cooperatives) can buy in bulk, which will be cheaper. If the price is cheaper, more people will buy at cooperatives," he said when opening the annual general meeting of the Bera District Smallholders Cooperative in Kampung Batu Papan here today.
He said the proposed setting up of a wholesale cooperative would be discussed in more detail with the relevant quarters, including Entrepreneur and Cooperative Development Minister Tan Sri Noh Omar and the Malaysian Cooperative Commission (SKM).
There are about 1,500 cooperatives nationwide where the public can get basic necessities at cheap prices, he said, adding that the government would continue to implement various programmes, including the twice-monthly Malaysian Family Sale in all the 222 parliamentary constituencies nationwide to help ease the financial burden of the people.
He said the government would also provide subsidy to farmers and breeders to help cushion the increase in the price of fertiliser and pesticides.
On the skyrocketing price of chicken, Ismail Sabri said the government had taken steps address the problem by importing the supply from China and Thailand.
Unfortunately, there are some quarters making false claims on the halal status of the imported chicken, he added.
The prime minister said the Malaysian Islamic Development Department (Jakim) has strict standard operating procedures (SOP) in granting the halal status for imported chicken and should not be doubted.
"Before the halal approval is given, Jakim will go to the place to make an inspection first. After it is confirmed that it is halal, then the halal stamp (logo) is issued...this halal status is not onlyin terms of the slaughtering process, but many other aspects, including cleanliness.
"For the halal process, it also involves the aspect of transportation, where the goods cannot be mixed with non-halal goods," he added.
Sharing his experience, Ismail Sabri, when he was Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister, he had proposed to the government to import meat from one Islamic country, but the plan was scrapped after Jakim found it did not meet the aspect on cleanliness, although though the slaughter process was halal.
As such, the prime minister called on the public not to worry about the halal status of the imported chicken.
-- BERNAMA
Bernama
Sun Dec 12 2021
Ismail Sabri said the government would also provide subsidy to farmers and breeders to help cushion the increase in the price of fertilisers and pesticides. - BERNAMA
Who is Prabowo Subianto, incoming president of Indonesia?
A wealthy ex-general with ties to Indonesia's popular outgoing president and its dictatorial past, looks set to be its next leader.
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
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.