Four farmers' markets to be set up in Sabah

Kota Kinabalu: Four permanent farmers' markets will be set up in Sabah this year to enable small-time traders to market their goods directly to consumers at cheaper prices.Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Yahya Hussin, who disclosed this, said the Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (Fama) proposed the markets be put up here, in Tawau, Sandakan and Keningau.

"For a start, Fama has allocated RM2 million to upgrade the current farmers' market into a permanent premises in Asia City here and the layout plan has been designed and agreed to by the Asia City management.

"Hence, once all necessary documentations and provisions are complied with, the permanent farmers' market will start at any time and it will be operating every day to benefit the traders and consumers," he said.

Yahya, who is also the Agriculture and Food Industry Minister, said this to reporters during his National Price Reduction Campaign 2015 walkabout at Asia City, here, Wednesday.

SPONSORED CONTENT

Sabah revenue hits RM6.97 billion: Hajiji says GRS State Government may see full term

Kota Kinabalu: The Sabah Government continued its momentum in managing the economy in line with the commitment and spirit of the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) when it posted record high state revenue of RM6.973 billion last year.

The Domestic Trade, Co-operatives and Consumerism Ministry launched the campaign on March 1 to curb food prices from increasing indiscriminately and offer attractive savings for consumers of between five and 20 per cent.

The campaign was launched to reduce prices of agricultural produces and food products in the farmers' markets in line with the drop in fuel prices.

The small-time traders under the guidance of the Ministry of Agriculture and Agro-based Industry have agreed to reduce the prices of selected items to complement government efforts in helping people to reduce the high cost of living.

Also present during the walkabout were Fama State Director Ribin Wahid, State Agriculture Department Director Mohd Idrus Shafie, Department of Veterinary and Animal Industry (Dovsai) Director Dr Yeo Boon Kiat, the ministry's Permanent Secretary Datuk Ujang Selani and senior officers of agencies under the ministry.

During his walkabout, Yahya said the market was found offering a total of 73 fresh produces where the prices were lower by between five and 20 per cent compared to other markets and supermarkets.

Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express’s Telegram channel.

Daily Express Malaysia

For instance, Yahya said red chillies were sold at RM7 per kg in the farmers' market compared to RM12 elsewhere, while regular size cabbage were sold at RM2 compared to RM3 at other places.

Presently, he said there are a total of 39 farmers' markets in Sabah comprising 850 traders with sales of goods valued at RM11 million last year.

Try 1 month for RM 18.00

Try 1 month for RM 18.00

Try 1 month for RM 18.00