Deputy Minister of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Fuziah Salleh has reaffirmed that the sale of RM2.70 ‘Gula Rahmah’ sugar will remain limited to mobile Madani Rahmah Sales Programmes, in line with existing government policy.
She said the decision to restrict sales outside permanent retail outlets was intended to preserve the affordability and integrity of the initiative, which targets households affected by rising living costs.
“Gula Rahmah is not subsidised by the government. Its sale through mobile Madani Rahmah programmes is a policy decision to ensure controlled distribution,” she said during the launch of the Madani Rahmah Sales Programme: Back to School in Kuantan.
According to Fuziah, the approach helps prevent price manipulation and ensures that the sugar reaches consumers directly, without interference from middlemen or opportunistic resellers.
She added that while the current distribution method remains in place, it may be reviewed in the future depending on policy adjustments by the ministry.
Gula Rahmah is produced under an initiative led by HMBE Legacy Sdn Bhd in collaboration with the ministry, aimed at offering basic food items at affordable prices without relying on subsidies.
Fuziah also highlighted the importance of the Madani Rahmah Sales Programme in stabilising prices of essential goods, especially in areas where access to affordable products may be limited.
Turning to the Back to School component, she said 50 PJRM KKS programmes are being rolled out across Pahang between December 18 and January 11 to assist families ahead of the new school year.
The programme partners with major stationery suppliers to offer essential school items at lower prices, helping parents manage expenses during a period of heightened household spending.
She explained that school supplies are not subject to price controls, as they are part of an open market that encourages competition.
“At the same time, we are firm against profiteering. Any traders found exploiting consumers will face enforcement action,” she said.
Fuziah said the combined initiatives demonstrate the government’s emphasis on targeted, practical measures to ease cost-of-living pressures while maintaining a fair and competitive market environment.