Dr Abdul Rahman, flanked by Ramzi (left) and Siti Shorgayah, presents a bag of the agro-product to one of the local residents. — Photo by Aliah Abdullah
KUCHING (May 24): The Agro Sarawakku Sayang Sales (JASS) programme has recorded total sales of RM500,000 since its implementation in April this year.
According to Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier’s Department (Project Coordinator for Regional Development Agencies, Kuching North City Hall and Islamic Affairs) Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi, the programme has taken place at 16 locations statewide, with the event at Esplanade Gersik here marking its 17th venue.
“This initiative has also involved 150 entrepreneurs directly participating in the sales of food products,” the Pantai Damai assemblyman told reporters when met at Esplanade Gersik.
It is informed that the programme is a joint effort by the federal government through Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (Fama), and Sarawak government through the State Ministry for Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development (M-FICORD) together with Department of Agriculture (DoA) Sarawak – aimed at helping to ease some financial burden off the local consumers amid rising prices of goods.
The products sold under JASS are offered at discounts of 30 per cent, lower than the regular market prices.
Among the items sold are the combo packs priced at RM15 instead of RM20 per set, eggs at RM12 per tray, fresh chicken at RM10 per bird, fresh local beef reduced to RM50 per kilogramme, and quail meat at RM20, down from RM28.
“This effort will be continued through Fama, M-FICORD and DoA Sarawak to ensure that it would reach the people, including those in the rural and interior areas,” said Dr Abdul Rahman, adding that the JASS programme should cover 23 more destinations, bringing the total to 40 locations by the end of this year.
Meanwhile, Fama Sarawak director Norsalawaty Abdul Kadir said a total of 15 entrepreneurs were involved in today’s programme, including several from Kampung Gersik itself.
“The products are brought directly from the farms, which helps us reduce prices,” she said.
Also present were Dr Abdul Rahman’s wife Datin Siti Shorgayah Ahmad Zaidi and Kuching North City Commission (DBKU) director Ramzi Abdillah.