Hawkers, Petty Traders Admit KR1M Has Given Positive Impact

KUALA LUMPUR (Bernama) -- Since its inception over two years ago, the 1Malaysia People's Shop (KR1M) initiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak has indeed given a positive impact to the people and local economy.

Source from (Bernama): http://www.bernama.com/bernama/v7/ge/newsgeneral.php?id=945556
Published: April 28, 2013

The people-friendly shop has not only reduced the burden of low-income earners, but has also helped hawkers and petty traders to acquire raw materials for their businesses at more reasonable prices.

A hawker, Che Norlia Abdullah, 47, who sells banana fritters and fish crackers in Kampung Kerinchi here, said the reasonable price was the main factor for her to make an optimal use of the KR1M, especially to purchase flour and cooking oil for her business.

"I used to purchase those items at a normal retail and wholesale shops, but since the setting up of the KR1M in Jalan Pantai Permai, I never went to those shops again," she told Bernama.

The mother of four said although the goods sold at the KR1M were relatively cheap, they were not of lower quality and standard.

"What matters most is the fact that the KR1M is a shop for the people and it means a lot to the low-income earners like myself. The goods commensurate to the price paid," she said.

Food stall operator in Pantai Permai, Omar Mohamad, 68, said he also frequented the KR1M shop to get basic necessities for both his business and personal use.

"The KR1M is indeed a people's shop. Its existence is truly appreciated by the local residents, not only because it's near to their residential area, but also because of the reasonable prices.

"The shop is really beneficial, especially with the rising cost of living following the price hikes on essential items," he said, admitting that the goods in KR1M usually sold out quite fast.

Rojak seller in Pantai Dalam, Abdul Manaf, 30, said the rising cost of living in the city, had made the KR1M essential to the people, especially in helping them to manage their expenses better.

"Spending money at the KR1M makes me feel 'safer' because I know I can save a lot and use the extra cash for other important things or simply keep it for a rainy day," he said.

A coconut drink seller in Kampung Baru, Bakri Mukisan, 60, on the other hand, said the government's initiative to set up the KR1M was a very wise move and beneficial for the people, regardless of their race and religion.

"The shop is an option for those who want to reduce their daily expenses. I really hope that the KR1M programme will be expanded to Kampung Baru so that we all can benefit from it too," he said.

The government has opened 85 KR1M shops in the peninsula and two in Sarawak so far. Ninety more KR1M shops are expected to be opened in Sabah, Sarawak and Labuan by end of this year.

-- BERNAMA