PUTRAJAYA, Oct 24 — The Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry (KPDN) will use its allocation from Budget 2025 to address leakages through monitoring and enforcement activities.
In a statement today, KPDN expressed its appreciation for the budget, specifically for implementing strategic initiatives aimed at tackling the cost of living on a broader scale and addressing issues such as cartels, leakages, and smuggling.
The statement highlighted that under Budget 2025, RM60 million has been allocated to KPDN and the Royal Malaysian Customs Department to combat the misuse of public funds and dismantle smuggling syndicates.
“An additional RM27 million has been allocated to the Malaysia Competition Commission to break down cartel control and bid-rigging schemes that negatively impact the people and the nation.
“To ensure targeted groups have access to essential goods at affordable prices in all state legislative assemblies every month, RM300 million has been allocated to expand the locations and frequency of the Payung Rahmah Madani Programme,” the statement read.
KPDN stated that RM700 million has been specifically allocated to expand cost-of-living programmes aimed at controlling the prices of goods, including through collaborations with supermarket operators, wholesale markets, grocery stores, farmers’ markets, cooperatives, and other outlets.
It said KPDN will continue to focus on the welfare of rural communities by ensuring the availability of essential goods through the Essential Goods Distribution Programme, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) distribution, and the Community Drumming initiative.
The ministry also noted that RM250 million has been allocated for the distribution of essential goods to remote and rural areas, including to new locations such as Magandai in Kota Marudu and Nanga Palawan in Bintulu.
“At the same time, KPDN will remain proactive in ensuring that consumer welfare and interests are protected while also promoting the growth of the retail and domestic trade sectors,” read the statement.
— Bernama
