SHAH ALAM, April 2 — Ehsan Rahmah Sales (JER), which offers a variety of essential goods at slashed prices, will be expanded soon to allow more people to shop for necessities, said state executive councillor for infrastructure and agriculture Dato’ Izham Hashim.
He said the measure is to ensure food supply is sufficient amid the West Asia conflict, which is expected to cause goods price hikes.
He added that his office plans to open more Ehsan Mart outlets and auction centres to strengthen the food supply chain.
“JER is held twice a month in every state constituency. We are planning to increase the frequency to three or four times a month so people have easy access to necessities at low prices.
“This is part of efforts to ensure food security. We may need to expand all existing initiatives,” Izham told Media Selangor.
According to him, JER offers 12 main food products including rice, chicken and eggs, and other necessities below market prices.
“There is protein, carbohydrates, all of it. Basic food sources are included in the 12 main products. For other products, although there are no subsidies, they are still sold for 10 to 30 per cent cheaper,” he added.
Izham said the plan would make way for the Selangor Agricultural Development Corporation (PKPS) to manage more frequent JERs and fulfil demand.
“There will be a briefing on the effects of the war on economic sectors. From there, we will see a wider picture and how to move forward. What’s certain is that food and agriculture are definitely affected,” he explained.
The JER programme was launched nearly four years ago as a brainchild of Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari with cooperation from the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry (KPDN), and has benefited millions of people with savings of between 30 and 50 per cent.
In 2022, RM12 million was allocated to hold JERs, with the amount increasing to RM13 million in 2023. In 2024, the subsidy expenditure climbed to RM16.4 million.
Starting with six main products in the initial stage — chicken, fish, beef, rice, oil and eggs — JER expanded to cover 12 main products last year, including rice vermicelli, flour, canned sardines, biscuits, disposable diapers, and detergent.
