KUALA LUMPUR: A pioneer durian feast held in a shopping mall here saw a whopping 5,000kg of the King of Fruits sold within five hours.
Deputy Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Fuziah Salleh lauded the initiative that could benefit traders and consumers.
"The people can enjoy fresh produce directly from plantations at a lower price.
"For example, I was told premium Musang King durians were going for just RM9.99 per kg.
"This can help to lessen the burden of the people and enable them to enjoy local fruits while the government works towards addressing the issue of rising living cost," she said when met after launching the Jaya Grocer members' special programme at KL East Mall here on Saturday (Aug 17).
Fuziah also urged other outlets to emulate the initiative and help bring quality and cheaper products to the market through such innovative campaigns.
She reminded eligible applicants to register their fleet cards under the Subsidised Diesel Control System as soon as possible.
"I was told registration is still stagnant, with 410,000 eligible vehicles, but only 290,000 have done so.
"However, we acknowledged there is a backlog in processing as it took between four to five weeks for the card to be issued," she said.
Fuziah also said the ministry is monitoring the situation and would take the necessary action to expedite the process.
She said that an enforcement team would be going to the ground for price checks and urged the people to lodge a complaint with the ministry on profiteering activities.
Separately, wholesaler and retailer Agro Best Services (M) Sdn Bhd founder Loke Kah Peng said the fruits on sale were brought in from three local plantations in Raub.
Loke said the collaboration was timely to mark the upcoming National Day celebrations and assist the people in reducing their daily expenses.
Jaya Grocer chief marketing officer Joseph Teoh said they were delighted with the good turnout and high sales volume.
Teoh also said they would look into extending the initiative nationwide.
