Sufficient supply of daily necessities at farmers’ markets, says Ronald

KUALA LUMPUR (May 11): The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industries (MAFI) has assured of sufficient supply of essential items for the festive season and other food marketed under the Aidilfitri 2021 Farmers’ Market programme nationwide.

Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ronald Kiandee in a statement said a total of 85 marketing outlets of the Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (FAMA) were involved in the programme, comprising 59 farmers’ markets, 23 permanent farmers’ markets and three MyFarm outlets, which will conclude tomorrow.

He said the government’s decision to give operating permission to FAMA marketing outlets, such as the Aidilfitri farmers’ markets, was to ensure that consumers continue to receive fresh supplies in conjunction with the Aidilfitri celebration.

“This programme is aimed at providing platforms for entrepreneurs to market their agricultural products during the Aidilfitri celebration.

At the same time, he said FAMA will continue to ensure that each of its marketing outlets complies with the standard operating procedures (SOPs) set by the Ministry of Health (MoH) and the National Security Council (MKN) to curb the spread of Covid-19.

Ronald said between January and April this year, a total of 307 farmers’ markets involving 12,843 entrepreneurs were operating nationwide and recorded a sales value of RM87,513,687.16.

“Overall, farmers’ market traders have used cashless transaction services, such as Maybank QRPay, Touch ‘n Go, GrabPay and Boost, in transactions.

“A total of 30% or 90 out of 302 farmers’ market locations, involving 61% or 9,098 out of 12,843 entrepreneurs, have used this service,” he said.