The Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Ministry (KPDNKK) is prepared to consider the suggestion that only locals be allowed to buy at 1Malaysia People's Shops (KR1M).

Its Minister Datuk Hasan Malek said this was because KR1M was set up as an alternative for Malaysians earning low incomes to obtain items of basic necessity at low prices.

"We will make it a policy if this is the aspiration of the people because KR1M is a facility provided by the government (for Malaysians). We do not want outsiders (foreign nationals) benefiting from it.

"If there is a proposal, I will bring it up to the Cabinet or Umno supreme council because the government is very concerned at what is voiced by the people. But as of today, we allow (foreign nationals to buy at KR1M)," he told a press conference after opening a consumer awareness programme here Sunday.

Hasan said this when asked to comment on suggestions by various quarters to the government to allow only locals to buy at the 99 KR1M outlets, selling 397 products, nationwide.