Affordable Prices Drive Strong Response To JKJ Programme

KLUANG, May 17 (Bernama) -- The Jualan Kasih Johor (JKJ) programme continues to receive an encouraging response, emerging as one of the state government’s most anticipated initiatives by offering essential goods at prices up to 30 per cent lower than the market price.

A check by Bernama at the Machap state constituency service centre yesterday found members of the public had started queuing as early as 7am to purchase daily necessities, with the RM15 Kasih Combo Set among the most sought-after items.

The set includes one whole chicken, a tray of eggs and two litres of cooking oil.

Kampung Ithnin Maarof resident, Pungot Sarban, 66, said he still made the effort to attend the programme despite facing mobility difficulties, as the savings offered were substantial.

“I still try to come even though I use a wheelchair because the prices offered are much cheaper than market prices. We can save a lot,” he told Bernama here yesterday.

Pungot, who attended the programme with his wife, Jamiah Salim, 66, said the initiative had greatly eased the burden on the people, particularly amid current economic challenges.

“I am grateful to be a Johor resident as we still have the opportunity to buy goods at affordable prices like this. Usually, I learn about JKJ through friends and the village head,” he said.

Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi, who is also the Machap state assemblyman, also visited the programme which has reached over 6.59 million people through its implementation at about 1,700 locations across Johor since its introduction in 2023.

Meanwhile, Halimah But, 60, said JKJ had helped reduce her household expenses by enabling her to purchase essential items at lower prices ahead of Aidiladha.

The mother of seven said the programme allowed the public to obtain kitchen necessities with considerable savings.

“I am grateful to be able to buy chicken, cooking oil and eggs at low prices. It is difficult to find prices like these elsewhere. I hope the state government will continue programmes like this,” said the Bukit Kenangan resident.

Housewife Low Soon Chern, 56, said she learned about JKJ through announcements on Facebook before deciding to attend the programme for the first time.

She said the prices offered, especially for the Kasih Combo Set, were worthwhile and helped reduce daily expenses.

“That is why I came to see it for myself. I can save around RM20,” said the Taman Sri Machap resident.

Low also hoped publicity for the programme could be expanded so that more people would be aware of the sales locations.

Another visitor, K. Balan, 68, said purchases made through JKJ were sufficient to meet his kitchen needs for a longer period.

“My wife and I prefer cooking at home to save money. So this programme really helps,” he said.

-- BERNAMA