IPOH: To reduce people’s financial burden, especially those in the low-income group, the Perak government has introduced the Kedai Bergerak 1 Amanjaya (KB1AJ) and a food aid programme.
KB1AJ was introduced in mid-2014, and, up until last February, has cumulated sales of RM9.871 million with 254,151 customers and 2,280 locations visited.
Yayasan Bina Upaya Darul Rid-zuan (YBUDR) chairman Datuk Saarani Mohamad said KB1AJ was a community project under the foundation to help people buy basic necessities at lower-than-market prices.
When it was introduced, the initiative offered 21 items. Now, it offers 41 items.
“The programme was mooted by Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir.
“It is similar to Kedai Rakyat 1 Malaysia (KR1M) introduced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak,” Saarani said.
Saarani, who is information and human capital development committee chairman, said KB1AJ offered good prices and additional discounts.
He said a fixed discount of five per cent was borne by YBUDR or a sponsor, while an additional discount of five to 10 per cent was borne by assemblymen.
Disabled customers, or those on the e-Kasih list, will receive an additional five per cent discount.
He said customers with disabilities who were also on the e-Kasih list would get a total 20 per cent discount.
“For example, a 5kg bag of rice is sold for RM13 in the market.
“However, KB1AJ can get it at a factory price of RM11.80, and after a 10 per cent discount, it will be sold to customers at RM10.62.
“Of the 10 per cent discount, five per cent is from assemblymen and another five is from the current sponsor, Empayar Indera Sdn Bhd.”
YBUDR chief executive officer Datuk Ismail Saffian said in the first two month’s of this year, KB1AJ had visited 68 locations, with 80 more targeted by the state government by next month.
He said the state government had allocated RM1.5 million for KB1AJ’s operation costs, which included trainees’ salary, drivers and lorry drivers, petrol allowances and lorry maintenance.
Most of the areas visited were rural areas, especially villages.
“The response has been good because the items are cheaper than in the market,” Ismail said.
He said four lorries — two eight-tonne and two five-tonne — were used.
He said 100 per cent of customers were from the target group.
He said information on KB1AJ was channelled with the help of community leaders and elected representatives through the distribution of leaflets.
“To overcome the problem, YBUDR will recommend to the state government to hold a KB1AJ carnival at least once a month in each district in the state.
“The carnival will be carried out in collaboration with the Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority and Malaysian Fisheries Development Board to benefit more people.”