FAMA Semarak Syawal Prog Offers Items 10 To 30 Pct Cheaper

JASIN, March 15 (Bernama) -- The people in Melaka have the opportunity to get various daily necessities at prices 10 to 30 per cent lower than the market price through the Semarak Syawal Programme organised by the Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (FAMA) at six farmer's markets across the state ahead of Aidilfitri.

State Rural Development, Agriculture and Food Security Exco Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh said the programme, which started yesterday and will continue until March 19, is seen as providing relief to the community by providing basic necessities at cheaper prices, thus helping to ease expenses ahead of the Aidilfitri celebration.

"For the Semarak Syawal @ Merlimau Farmers' Market programme today, FAMA is offering chicken at RM5 each with purchases limited to two per customer.

"In addition, we are also offering special prices such as selling fresh meat at RM30 per kilogramme (kg), grade C eggs (RM10 per tray), Melaka Rice (RM26 per bag) and combo set promotions," he said.

He told reporters after officiating the Melaka-level Semarak Syawal Launching Ceremony which was also attended by Melaka FAMA director Nor Azhar Abdul Hamid here today.

Further commenting, Dr Muhammad Akmal said the public also did not need to worry about getting the necessary items for Aidifitri preparations because they were sufficient.

He said the public who wanted to get Melaka Rice could buy it at farmers' markets throughout the state with a production of around 1,200 bags per month, with FAMA as the sole distributor.

"The response to Melaka Rice is very encouraging especially towards the last week before Aidilfitri. For the first quarter of this year, production was 3,600 bags and efforts are being intensified to increase production in the future,” he said.

-- BERNAMA