CLAIMS that foodstuff at Jualan Ehsan Rakyat (JER) were sold to political cronies are untrue, says Izham Hashim.
The Selangor infrastructure and agriculture committee chairman said the foodstuff at these events was sold on a first come, first served basis.
“There is also a limit on the number of items per person. For example, one person can only buy one or two chickens.
“The customers are also required to present their MyKad. Those without one are not allowed to buy,” he said at the state assembly sitting Thursday (Nov 23).
Izham said this in response to a supplementary question from Dr Mohd Zamri Mohd Zainuldin (PN-Sungai Burong).
He had asked if there were truths to claims that foodstuff at JER events were reserved to be sold to political cronies.
He said he received feedback from his constituents that the food items ran out quickly, despite the customers turning up early in the morning.
Izham said JER events often drew massive crowds, as the foodstuff was sold at a discount of up to 30%.
JER is a Selangor government initiative which sells fresh produce and groceries at subsidised prices.
Mohd Shafie Ngah (PN-Sungai Ramal) pressed further, asking for an assurance that JER events would not be politicised.
He claimed that workers at these events often wore an orange shirt. Orange is the official colour of Parti Amanah Negara, which Izham belongs to.
Izham said there was no directive issued on the colour of attire for workers.
“It is up to them what colour to wear. They can even wear a pink shirt if they want,” he said with a chuckle.
He added that the state government worked with the local assemblyman's offices to identify suitable locations for holding JER events.
Separately, Izham said a 121.4ha land plot in Kuala Langat was identified for planting corn.
He said the produce, once harvested, would be used as a raw material to make chicken feed to be supplied to local farmers.
He said many chicken farmers were grappling with the increased cost of feed, which drove up prices of the poultry.
“Chicken is the main source of protein for Malaysians. However, Selangor only provides 34% of the current supply,” he added.
