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The Star
6 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Making every ringgit count
Welcomed relief: Residents waiting their turn to buy groceries at the Jualan Rahmah programme at Greenlane Heights, Penang. — LIM BENG TATT/The Star GEORGE TOWN: Shoppers queued with baskets in hand, drawn by prices they had not seen in some time – RM3.90 for instant noodles, RM16.80 for 850gm packs of milk powder, RM11 for a whole chicken (almost 1.4kg) and much more. About 40 such essential items were up for grabs at the Jualan Rahmah programme at Greenlane Heights, organised by Seri Delima service centre and Greenlane Heights Village Community Management Council (MPKK). Residents from the neighbourhood were seen leaving with bags of groceries, bought at a discount. Vijayan Raj, 43, a security guard, said he regularly looks out for locations hosting Jualan Rahmah, where household essential items are sold cheaper than at regular retail shops. 'Jualan Rahmah has helped me cope with the spike in daily expenses. The prices here are much cheaper than in the shops,' he added. At the event yesterday he said that with his modest earnings and increasing household expenses, the initiative provides a much-needed cushion, especially when purchasing basic food items and necessities. Tan Teik Lun, 37, said he always finds ways to come to the Jualan Rahmah programme to buy essential items. 'Imagine buying 500gm of potatoes for only RM1, I will not be able to get this price at the morning market or even the grocery store,' said the father of two, who works at a car accessories shop. He also hopes the government will expand the programme to more communities, especially lower-income urban and semi-urban families. For Azimah Kamaruddin, 47, a civil servant, she often scrolls through social media to track the latest Jualan Rahmah programme in Penang. 'I always check Facebook and Instagram to find out where the next Jualan Rahmah will be. 'Whenever it's nearby, I make sure to go. The prices are much cheaper, it makes a difference,' she said, adding that she would end up spending much less for groceries, which would normally cost her over RM100. The mother of five said the initiative helped stretch her monthly salary, especially with the rising cost of basic necessities. 'With five growing children, every Ringgit counts and programmes like Jualan Rahmah help those like me lighten the load,' she said. Seri Delima assemblyman Connie Tan said the Jualan Rahmah programme yesterday was the 17th edition of the initiative for the people in her constituency. 'The initiative always receives a strong response from the local community,' she added. Tan said the strategic and convenient location makes it easier for nearby residents who prefer walking to the event. She said the programme was held two to three times a month at several locations in her constituency to help the community save on groceries. Describing the programme as a success, Tan said it will continue to be held from time to time to benefit more communities. She explained that the discounts offered during the sales are fully absorbed by the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) through government subsidies, enabling consumers to enjoy lower prices without burdening the traders. 'This is part of the government's commitment to ease the cost of living, especially for the B40 and M40 groups,' she added. Launched on Jan 11, 2023, the programme introduced by KPDN, aimed at offering daily necessities at discounts ranging from 10% to 30% below local market prices. It is part of the ministry's broader Payung Rahmah initiative to ease the financial burden on Malaysians. The initiative provides discounts of 10% to 30% below market prices at major supermarkets and hypermarkets, with priority given to locations with high low-income populations. The programme is nationwide, spanning all 222 parliamentary constituencies, and includes a wide range of items from food to personal care and school supplies.
The Star
12-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Star
Thousands enjoy a day in the kampung
Family fun: Visitors taking in the sights and sounds of the Penang2030 Festival X Seberang Perai Heritage Day 2025 in Kampung Agong, Penaga. — LIM BENG TATT/The Star KEPALA BATAS: Thousands of visitors flocked to the Penang2030 Festival X Seberang Perai Heritage Day 2025. Despite the sweltering heat, many families, including those with young children, turned up in high spirits to take part in the festivities held at Kampung Agong in Penaga yesterday. Mohd Hilfy Hizir, 35, travelled from Penang Island with his wife and two children to experience the celebration for the first time. 'I have been here several times, but this is our first time joining in the celebration. It's worth the drive,' said the private company executive. 'My children enjoyed themselves and it's great to see culture celebrated in such a lively way.' Another parent, 41-year-old Nurfarazila Radzi, said she did not want to miss the festival as it offered her children a valuable opportunity to experience cross-cultural traditions and get a glimpse of authentic kampung life. 'Events like this remind our children where we come from. They spend so much time with gadgets these days. It's nice to bring them back to nature and our roots,' she said. Her children had a good time trying out traditional games like congkak and kite-flying at the padi field. Cassidy Jitien, 38, a civil servant, said it was his first time visiting Kampung Agong and described the experience as refreshing. 'It's peaceful and nostalgic. You don't get to see scenes like this in the city,' he said, referring to the padi field, wooden houses and kids running barefoot. Cassidy, who brought along his three young daughters, said it was also a meaningful way for his family to unwind and reconnect with their cultural roots. Originally from Sarawak, Cassidy shared that the kampung setting reminded him of his childhood days in rural Borneo. 'This kind of environment brings back memories of my grandparents' village. 'I want my daughters to appreciate these traditions and not grow up thinking that culture only exists in books or museums,' he added. Among the activities were traditional performances and workshops such as batik painting, silat and wayang kulit, as well as traditional games like sepak raga bulatan. The festival also featured traditional food stalls and a handicraft market – all reflecting the diverse heritage of Seberang Perai. The event combines the annual Penang2030 celebration with Seberang Perai Heritage Day. It is a collaboration between the Chief Minister's Office, Seberang Perai City Council, Penang Island City Council, Tech Dome Penang and Penang Green Council.
The Star
02-07-2025
- Business
- The Star
‘Subsidised cooking oil sold for prayer use'
Murugiah is urging the authorities to compel prayer oil traders to declare the source of their products and list the retail price in their packaging. — LIM BENG TATT/The Star Penang Hindu Association claims unscrupulous suppliers making profits of over 200% by repackaging product Penang Hindu Association (PHA) is claiming that some bottles containing prayer oil, sold at nearly RM9 per litre, are actually just ordinary, subsidised Malaysian cooking oil, which can be purchased for RM2.50 per litre. Its president Datuk P. Murugiah urged the authorities to clamp down against the practice. He claimed that unscrupulous suppliers were making a profit margin of over 228%, adding that subsidised cooking oil was meant for low-income households. 'We found that most of the 'prayer oil' sold in the state, especially in temple supply stores, is actually repackaged subsidised cooking oil, originally priced at RM2.50 per litre. 'One particular brand is now being sold at RM8.20 per litre in the open market as oil for ritual use. Some brands cost even more. 'The practice, if left unchecked, will defeat the purpose of the subsidy meant for the B40 group,' he added. Introduced to help keep daily essentials affordable, Malaysia's subsidised cooking oil comes in locally packed polybags. Murugiah said any loophole in the system would put pressure on domestic oil supplies and affect both consumers and honest retailers alike. 'The issue is not new. In 2023, the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry caught a trader repackaging subsidised cooking oil into different bottles and selling it as prayer oil at high prices. 'Some suppliers even resorted to using colour dyes in the oil to deceive the authorities. 'We hope the ministry will look into this and carry out frequent spot checks at retail outlets, especially those selling religious paraphernalia,' he said. Murugiah said the association also wanted clearer labelling regulations. 'We urge the ministry to compel prayer oil traders to declare the source of their products and clearly list the retail price on the packaging. 'This is in line with labelling laws and to ensure consumers are not misled,' he said. He added that the association also supported a nationwide rollout of the Cooking Oil Price Stabilisation Scheme (eCOSS), designed to track the supply of subsidised oil from refinery to retail. He said eCOSS could plug the loopholes currently exploited by rogue suppliers. He urged consumers to stay alert and check the source of the oil purchased for prayer use. 'It is important not to be misled by unscrupulous parties,' he added. Penang Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry (KPDN) director S. Jegan said action would be taken against anyone involved in the misuse of subsidised goods. He said the ministry was consistently monitoring the use of cooking oil, not only supply issues, but also its misuse, including for religious rituals as highlighted by PHA. 'However, we have not received any official complaints on this matter. 'Enforcement officers will continue to act under all relevant laws, including those governing subsidised goods,' Jegan said.
The Star
01-07-2025
- The Star
Train delay due to cable thefts
Passengers waiting for the ETS at Butterworth KTM station near Penang Sentral. — LIM BENG TATT/The Star KTM Bhd deeply regrets the inconvenience and frustration the writer encountered during her June 9 journey on the Electric Train Service (ETS) from Butterworth, Penang to Kuala Lumpur Sentral ('Response defines premium service' published in StarMetro on June 14). Please accept our sincerest apologies for the disruption and shortcomings in the service. We understand how distressing it must have been when what should have been a smooth three-and-a-half-hour journey extended into a six-hour ordeal. The delay on that day was caused by multiple incidents of cable theft across three key points along the northern track, severely impacting both signalling and communication systems. While incidents like these are beyond our control, we acknowledge the impact they have on travel plans and experience. The locations of the incidents were Tapah Road-Sungkai (KM250.5) – 200m of cable stolen; Kamunting-Bukit Merah-Bagan Serai (KM87.25) – 110m stolen; and Simpang Ampat-Bukit Mertajam (KM15.5) – 40m affected. These acts of sabotage had widespread consequences, causing significant delays to both ETS and Komuter services. We are actively working with the authorities to strengthen trackside security and mitigation efforts are already underway. StarMetro article on June 14. These include installation of special locking mechanisms at 21 manhole locations, closed-circuit television (CCTV) camera surveillance and drone monitoring, and erection of anti-climb fencing along vulnerable stretches. As soon as an incident was detected, we activated emergency protocols and disseminated updates through official social media channels, SMS alerts and deployed extra staff to assist passengers on-site. With regard to refreshments during delays, our current policy provides light snacks and water when delays exceed two hours, particularly before departure or at Ipoh Station where our catering base is located. The nature and location of this delay unfortunately limited our ability to activate this service. That said, we are relooking at ways to make this offering more consistent across routes. As for Business Class amenities, we are continuing to enhance the passenger experience. While the audio video on demand system does not currently support movies or music, passengers may access the Internet for entertainment. We are also expanding pre-booked meal options to give all passengers – Business and Standard Class – more flexibility and choice when booking online. We are also aware of the onboard Wi-Fi limitations. The service operates on a best-effort basis, relying on external telecommunications company coverage, which may vary along the route. That said, improving digital connectivity remains a long-term goal for KTMB. Issues related to toilet cleanliness and overflowing waste bins are currently being addressed through a comprehensive review of contractor performance and hygiene maintenance schedules. In parallel, repair works on escalators and lifts at KL Sentral are underway to improve accessibility and passenger convenience in a timely manner. Once again, we sincerely apologise for the inconvenience caused and thank the writer for her patience and valuable feedback. We remain committed to making ETS a safe, comfortable and dependable choice for intercity travel – one that truly reflects the aspirations of a modern, connected Malaysia. KTM Bhd Kuala Lumpur
The Star
28-06-2025
- The Star
Penang's culinary magnetism hard for foodies to resist
Getting their fill: Customers enjoying the variety of Penang flavours at the food court along Padang Kota Lama in George Town. — LIM BENG TATT/The Star GEORGE TOWN: It's rather hard to dethrone Penang from its perch as Malaysia's food paradise. The three-day weekend brought visitors from as far as Selangor and Johor, all eager to savour their favourite dishes. Many food stalls across the city saw long queues. The newly completed food court at Fort Cornwallis was one of the hotspots for visitors from out of state. Among them was Noridayu Mokhtar, 40, a student management assistant from Tanjong Karang, Selangor. She was on a two-day food hunt with her family. 'We visit Penang at least once a year. And food has always been our focus on holiday. 'From nasi kandar to roadside snacks and seaside desserts, we just eat non-stop whenever we are here,' she said while queuing for mee sotong. Noridayu said hotel bookings had to be done in advance as many travellers make a beeline to Penang whenever there is a long weekend. 'We made our booking a month ago. Many of the rooms were already taken, but we managed to secure a place within the city that's convenient for visiting popular food outlets,' she added. It was a public holiday in Malaysia yesterday as the country marked Awal Muharram. At a nasi kandar outlet in Penang Road, 34-year-old aircraft technician Hafiz Rahmat from Johor Baru stopped over with a superbike convoy. 'We're on a trip from Johor, riding up north for the long weekend. Penang is always on the itinerary to get proper nasi kandar before heading to Baling. 'Nasi kandar in Penang is the real deal with its mix of spices, overflowing gravy and ayam ros. No other version can come close to it,' he said. His eight-man convoy consisted of work buddies and members of their local bike club. Sabir Ali Ansari, 37, manager of the mee sotong stall at Fort Cornwallis, said they had anticipated a sharp rise in business over the three-day weekend. 'Normally, we sell about 500 plates daily. This weekend, we expect that number to double or even triple. Our workers start preparing ingredients from 6am,' he said. Malaysian Association of Hotels Penang chapter chairman Datuk Tony Goh said hotel occupancy spiked significantly after a slow period. 'Since the school holidays ended in May, hotels had been quiet, averaging just around 50% occupancy. This weekend, most are seeing 80% to 90% occupancy, with some fully booked,' he said. 'Hotel guests are usually Malaysians. International tourists make up less than 30%. With about 26,000 registered room inventories, the domestic market is crucial to our sustainability.' Popular tourist attractions such as Gurney Bay, the Esplanade and the Clan Jetties also experienced heavy foot traffic. To maintain order and assist visitors, tourist police officers were deployed to key locations, including Armenian Street and The Top Komtar.
