SEREMBAN — The Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (FAMA) is targeting the Semarak Syawal Farmers’ Market Programme which will be held nationwide for seven days to generate a total sales value of RM40 million.
FAMA chairman Aminuddin Zulkipli said the programme, which will start from March 14 to 20, will involve 722 locations nationwide, including Farmers’ Market, Permanent Farmers’ Market, Satok Trading Grounds in Sarawak as well as the Rural Transformation Centre (RTC), Agro Bazar Kedai Rakyat and Agro Bazar Rakyat.
He said through the programme, the people can obtain essential goods at reasonable prices ahead of the festive season, in addition to providing consumers with the opportunity to obtain various fresh agricultural products.
“Alhamdulillah, the reception so far has been very encouraging, with supplies also seen to be stable, helping to ensure prices remain under control ahead of Aidilfitri. This programme also opens up space for farmers and agro entrepreneurs to increase sales and expand the market for their products.
“So far, we have found that traders are complying with the set prices, which are even cheaper than the market. The public is also advised not to make panic purchases,” he said
He said this to reporters at the program at the Ampangan Farmers’ Market here today, which was also attended by Ampangan State Assemblyman (ADUN), Tengku Zamrah Tengku Sulaiman.
Aminuddin said that among the main attractions at the Semarak Syawal Farmers’ Market is the Agro MADANI combo sale which offers a chicken, egg and vegetable combo at RM10 compared to the normal price of RM17.50.
The program also featured various promotions for fresh goods ahead of Aidilfitri, including the sale of fresh meat at RM28 per kilogram compared to the market price of RM38 per kilogram and pension chicken sold at RM10 each.
Asked about concerns about price increases following the conflict in West Asia, he said that so far the supply and prices of food items in the country have remained stable.
Aminuddin said FAMA would continue to play a role as a facilitator in ensuring that the supply chain is sufficient by diversifying sources of procurement to avoid supply disruptions in the future.
“If there are external factors causing disruptions, we will identify the cause and look for alternative sources of supply to ensure price stability can be maintained,” he said.
— BERNAMA
