08/03/2026

NATIONAL 2 theSun on Sunday MAR 8, 2026

Plan to add fresh goods to Sara initiative lauded

Report on food security to be ready next week KOTA BHARU: A report on the effects of the Middle East conflict on the country’s food security will be out next week, said Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu. He said the ministry’s officers from the food security and international divisions have been instructed to examine whether the tensions would impact oil prices and the country’s food export commodities. “The majority of our food imports come from Asean countries, India, Pakistan, Australia, New Zealand, Brazil and China.” He was speaking at the launch of the ministry’s Karnival Cahaya Aidilfitri Usahawan and Majlis Iftar Kasih at the Rural Transformation Centre in Tunjong on Friday. “Whether any increase in oil prices will have a cascading effect on food prices, we will wait for the full report from the officials next week.” On Thursday, Mohamad had cautioned that prolonged geopolitical tensions could have indirect effects, particularly on oil prices, transport costs and the price of imported goods. Mohamad said Malaysia maintains strong export links, especially with the United Arab Emirates and neighbouring countries. He added that fertiliser supplies also remain stable as Malaysia sources them from countries not involved in the conflict.– Bernama Cabinet extends Nuzul Quran greetings KUALA LUMPUR: In conjunction with Nuzul Quran yesterday, Cabinet members extended their greetings and called on Muslims in the country to increase their recitation of the Quran and practise its teachings in their daily lives. Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said the Quran is not only a guide for life but also a remedy for the heart and a light that illuminates the path of life in this world and the hereafter. “Let us all increase our recitation, understanding and practise of the teachings of the Quran in our daily lives,” he said in a post on his Facebook page. Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani expressed hope that Muslims would continue to appreciate and practise the teachings of the Quran and make it a guide in building a knowledgeable, ethical and compassionate society. Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir said that Nuzul Quran is a significant event in the history of Islamic civilisation, which marks the revelation of the first divine message to Prophet Muhammad SAW. Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad called on Muslims to strengthen their faith, continue reflecting on the Quran and seek the forgiveness of Allah SWT while striving to be granted the opportunity to encounter Lailatul Qadr . Nuzul Quran commemorates the event when the Quran was first revealed to Prophet Muhammad SAW. – Bernama

PETALING JAYA: Consumer groups have given the thumbs up to the government plan to add fresh goods to the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (Sara) programme. Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations CEO Dr Saravanan Tambhirajah said the potential inclusion of fresh items such as vegetables, fruits, fish and chicken under the programme would be a positive and practical step. He said basic assistance programmes should reflect the actual consumption patterns of households, adding that fresh food is an essential part of daily nutrition. “Many low-income households struggle not only to purchase packaged essentials but also to afford fresh and nutritious food. Allowing these items under the programme could help improve dietary quality and ease the pressure from rising food prices.” Saravanan said including perishable goods in a nationwide assistance programme may present operational challenges, particularly in ensuring that supply could meet a potential surge in demand. “When assistance is credited at the same time, there may be a rush to purchase fresh items, which could strain supply at participating retailers if supply chains are not well coordinated.” He stressed that proper storage, handling and restocking would be crucial. He added that the current monthly allocation may need to be reviewed if fresh items are included, as these products are typically more expensive and may not stretch far for households purchasing protein sources such as chicken or meat. “Expanding the programme could also create opportunities to support local farmers, fishermen and small suppliers if the supply chain is structured to prioritise local sourcing.” Pertubuhan Mesra Pengguna of households, says consumer group CEO Ű BY QIRANA NABILLA MOHD RASHIDI newsdesk@thesundaily.com Basic assistance programmes should reflect actual consumption patterns

Saravanan said the potential inclusion of fresh items such as vegetables, fruits, fish and chicken under the programme would be a positive and practical step. – SYED AZAHAR SYED OSMAN/ THESUN

Usahawan and Majlis Iftar Kasih at the Rural Transformation Centre in Tunjong on Friday. He said the ministry approved financial assistance of RM4.62 million after a major flood hit Kelantan in December last year. He added that payments are being made in phases through Agrobank so that farmers would receive assistance quickly and efficiently. – Bernama the plan to expand the list of basic necessities under Sara is a timely and encouraging step towards helping low-income households cope with the rising cost of living. He said the initiative would not only help reduce the financial burden on families but also enable them to access healthier and more balanced meals, benefitting children, the elderly and overall family wellbeing. It was reported that the government plans to expand the Sara programme to include fresh goods, pending studies to ensure quality, safety and consumer protection before any final decision is made. The government recently expanded the programme to include frozen foods as a new category starting Feb 9, bringing the total number of categories to 15, up from 14. The number of items available for purchase under the programme has also increased to 140,000, up from 100,000 previously.

Malaysia deputy president Azlin Othman said the inclusion of fresh items would make the Sara programme more effective as such foods, which are often beyond the reach of many households, are key to a healthy diet. “The expansion could be realised if the programme is properly managed. The government could collaborate with supermarkets, local markets and registered vendors that already have adequate storage and supply systems. “Clear guidelines and monitoring will also help ensure that the quality of fresh items is maintained.” Azlin acknowledged that there could be challenges as perishable goods require proper storage, faster distribution and strict quality control to prevent spoilage, particularly in rural or remote areas. “Nonetheless, these challenges can be addressed through proper planning and partnerships with existing retailers.” Consumers Association of Penang president Mohideen Abdul Kader said

RM20 million allocated for projects in Kelantan KOTA BHARU: The Agriculture and Food Security Ministry has allocated RM20.55 million to the Kemubu Agricultural Development Authority for several strategic projects under the 13th Malaysia Plan this year. smart technology for rice granaries. “The Madani government has never sidelined the state of Kelantan. We upgraded the Kemubu and Kasa pump stations at RM28 million, the mechanical pump system at RM40 million and we strengthened mechanisation and smart technology so that our fields no longer rely solely on the old methods.” Its minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu said among the projects are the upgrading of the Kemubu and Kasa pump stations, the mechanical pump system as well as mechanisation and Mohamad was speaking at the launch of the ministry’s Karnival Cahaya Aidilfitri