PUTRAJAYA: The Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Ministry is targetting to get more than 200 to 300 suppliers to be involved in the better improved 1Malaysia People's Shop 2.0 (KR1M 2.0) programme.
Its Minister Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainuddin said more suppliers would have access to the KR1M 2.0 outlets so that they could raise their volumes and allow their products to reach the interiors.
"Mydin is no longer the main supplier. I have discussed with many companies comprising multi-national companies and big local companies.
"I am also working closely with the small and medium enterprises (SMEs) so that they can supply their products via (the) KR1M 2.0 (platform)," he said at the pre-launch of the 2017 Mega Sales Carnival.
It was reported that the government was aiming to set up 3,000 KR1M outlets by 2020 so that the people could buy their daily necessities at cheaper prices compared to the market prices.
The KR1M 2.0 initiative is to encourage better collaborations between government agencies and open business opportunities to local manufacturers and producers.
Products to be sold at KR1M 2.0 outlets would be cheaper and at competitive prices, Hamzah said, adding that there would be some products including essential goods to carry the KR1M labels and some would carry the 1Malaysia logo.
Despite being pushed to reveal the suppliers that would take part in the KR1M 2.0 programme, he declined to name them, instead he said the ministry already had the list of suppliers, which he would announce during the launch of KR1M 2.0.
On when the programme would be launched, Hamzah said, he was still waiting for the suitable date for it.
"Although the prime minister said KR1M 2.0 to be implemented next year, we want the launch to be this year itself."
KR1M , which was mooted by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak in June 2011, was aimed at reducing the people’s burden and well as to help market products by local operators of SMEs.