RAUB: The Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry has appointed 1,369 selected district retailers (DDR) and 635 selected district wholesalers (DDW) nationwide to ensure the availability of essential supplies during the Northeast Monsoon.
Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali said that this initiative is part of the ministry's contingency plans for the monsoon season, which began on Nov 5 and is expected to continue until March next year. The objective is to maintain accessible and fairly priced essential supplies.
The appointed DDR and DDW premises in each district will act as mini-stock holders, guaranteeing the distribution of basic necessities and identifying items required by disaster victims to prevent supply shortages.
"The ministry is taking MetMalaysia's forecast of five to seven heavy rain episodes and multiple disaster incidents seriously, which are expected from this month until March next year, impacting most states," he said.
"We took a proactive step by appointing these retailers and wholesalers as early as September to ensure adequate preparation, based on our previous experiences," he added.
Armizan shared these updates with the media after attending the state Rahmah Madani Sales at Pekan Sehari Dong.
The event was also attended by the state communications and multimedia, youth, sports, and non-government committee chairman Fadzli Mohamad Kamal.
He further explained that additional DDR and DDW have been appointed, particularly in flood-prone areas in states like Pahang, Kelantan, and Terengganu, where flooding typically impacts multiple districts.
"The ministry has identified areas that frequently experience floods, affecting not just one district, but sometimes entire states or large portions, such as in Terengganu, Kelantan, and Pahang," he said.
"For Pahang alone, 210 DDR and 97 DDW have been appointed," he added, noting the importance of preparing these retailers and wholesalers with adequate supplies and logistical support in collaboration with the Social Welfare Department and the Civil Defence Force.
DDR and DDW will receive temporary approval to increase their storage capacity for controlled goods and basic necessities by up to 30% of the standard limit during the disaster period.
This ensures uninterrupted supply delivery, allowing goods to reach especially rural regions without relying on external shipments.
"I urge DDR, DDW, and all business establishments, including retailers, wholesalers, and manufacturers, to avoid hoarding goods during times of need," Armizan said.
He emphasised that the ministry would take stern action against parties found guilty of hoarding supplies, including the potential revocation or suspension of licences issued by the Companies Commission of Malaysia.
"In a disaster scenario, it is crucial to make supplies available. We are aware that some may attempt to hoard supplies and only release them when demand peaks, hoping to sell at higher prices.
"We will thoroughly investigate such complaints and take immediate action," he added. – Bernama
