Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak (pic) today launched the nationwide "Price Reduction" campaign involving 10 selected supermarket chains, to help lessen the people's burden in the face of the rising cost of living.
The first phase of the campaign for six months will be participated by supermaket chains Econsave, Mydin, KK Mart, Aeon, Aeon Big, Tesco, 99 Speedmart, NSK, Segi Fresh Mart and Giant.
These supermarket chains, operated by local and foreign companies, have more than 955 branches throughout the country.
"With this campaign, the supermarket chains involved will offer discounts of 15% to 70% on products," Najib said when launching the campaign at the Aeon outlet in Balakong today.
Among the daily necessities listed under the "Price Reduction" campaign are fresh produce, frozen food, dried food, beverages, and baby and children's items.
Also present at the launch were Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Minister Datuk Seri Hasan Malek and his deputy Datuk Seri Ahmad Bashah Md Hanipah.
Najib was confident that the benefit of large discounts offered by the participating outlets would be felt by the people, as consumers, hence helping them face the rising cost of living.
While emphasising the government's strong commitment to cushioning the effects of rising cost of goods, Najib also outlined four main measures taken by the government to reduce the people's financial burden and to raise their disposable income at the same time.
These included providing opportunities for the people to improve their skills in order to earn a higher income, and setting the minimum wage for workers.
Najib said providing assistance like the 1Malaysia People's Aid (BR1M), which now benefited more than seven million households, book vouchers for students and the early schooling aid also helped to lessen the effects of the rising cost of living. – Bernama, January 29, 2014.