KOTA KINABALU: The Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Ministry (KPDNKK) yesterday launched Borneo Mart as additional initiative to reduce the cost of living of rural people in Sabah and Sarawak.
Minister Datuk Hasan Malek said using the franchise concept, Borneo Mart is an extension of government initiatives such as Kedai Rakyat 1Malaysia (KR1M), Mobile Mart and Transporter.
“Initially, three Borneo Mart will open at Wisma Wanita in Sabah and Merapok and Bintulu in Sarawak,” he told reporters after opening a seminar on KR1M and Mobile Mart and launch of Borneo Mart at Wisma Wanita, here yesterday.
Also present was Sabah Community Development and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Jainab Ahmad Ayid. Hasan said Borneo Mart would complement the price standardisation programme in Sabah and Sarawak and the role of KR1M in offering goods at reasonable prices.
Other than retail, Borneo Mart would also serve as distribution centre of consumer goods to markets on the outskirt of towns and rural areas.
“Via Borneo Mart, traders will be able to sell subsidised goods at government control prices with better profit margins.
“It will not only benefit the traders but also benefit the consumers,” said Hasan.
Since traders in Sabah and Sarawak better understand the needs of local consumers, the products on sale at Borneo Mart would be determined by them.
Borneo Mart’s operation would be closely monitored by KPDNKK officers to ensure traders do not raise the price of goods since they are no longer burdened with transportation cost. — Bernama