FLOOD victims in Taman Desa Tanjung Damai, Kuala Nerus, began lining up as early as 7.15am to purchase their daily essentials in the Madani Rahmah Sales Programme.

Checks showed residents were keen to take advantage of the opportunity to buy more than 25 essential items at discounts of between 10 and 30 per cent.

Shopper Che Rosli Abd Ghani Che Yah, 58, said he did not want to miss the chance to purchase items at much lower prices.

“I came early in the morning to buy daily necessities. Since today is a holiday, I didn’t want to miss the chance to shop.

“I see various items being sold at much cheaper prices, so this indirectly helps ease our burden, especially after the recent floods,” he said.

“The residents would like to thank the state Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry for organising the sale here. We hope this is not the first and last time such sales are held.

“If possible, we would like the sales to be held every two months to ease our burden, especially with the rising cost of living.”

Similarly, housewife Norhayati Sulong, 48, shared that the Madani Rahmah Sales had helped reduce her family’s burden, especially after the floods.

“Two weeks ago, our area was flooded with water rising to one metre. Some of our daily essentials were damaged, so this sale will help lighten our load,” she said.

In Kuala Nerus, Bernama reported that the Terengganu branch of the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry has scheduled 18 sessions of the Madani Rahmah Sales Programme at locations near floodaffected areas throughout the state.

Its director, Saharuddin Mohd Kia, said of the total, six sessions were arranged in Hulu Terengganu; four in Dungun; three in Marang; two each in Besut and Kuala Nerus; and one session in Kemaman.

“Ten sessions have already been carried out near the affected areas, and the remaining eight will follow as per the dates set,” he said after assessing the programme held at the shoplots in Taman Desa Tanjung Damai here.

He added that the Madani Rahmah Sales Progamme sessions, held in flood-affected locations, aim to help residents access food and daily necessities at prices that are 10 to 30 per cent lower than market rates.

“Visitors can access the programme schedule on the ministry’s official website and Terengganu Domestic Trade and Cost of Living’s Facebook page,” he added.

Saharuddin said that while the guidelines require a minimum of 25 discounted items at each session, the ministry had expanded the offerings to about 200 items, based on the specific needs of each area.

He also reminded non-governmental organisations and individuals not to purchase scheduled controlled goods in disasterstricken areas for distribution to affected victims.

“Purchases of subsidised packaged cooking oil for aid distribution are prohibited and it is recommended to buy bottled cooking oil instead,” he said.

Saharuddin reported that from Jan to Dec 11 this year, a total of 822 sessions in all eight parliamentary districts had been organised, attracting 892,065 visitors and generating RM37.81 million in sales.