THE Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) has pledged to ensure no community in Sabah’s remote and island regions is excluded from receiving essential goods at equitable prices, with distribution efforts continuing under the ‘Program Pengedaran Barang Perlu’ (Essential Goods Distribution Programme) through to 2027.
During a working visit to four Point of Sales (POS) locations across Tawau, Deputy Minister Datuk Dr Fuziah Salleh highlighted the government’s commitment to equitable access to basic necessities through the ongoing Community Drumming (CD) initiative and subsidised Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) distribution.
“This programme provides subsidies to selected transporters to deliver essential and controlled items from supply centres to rural and island-based retail points. The aim is to ensure residents can purchase goods at the same prices as urban areas while maintaining supply stability,” she said.
Running since 2009, the programme ensures that seven essential subsidised items — white rice, coarse refined sugar, wheat flour, pure palm cooking oil, LPG, RON95 petrol, and diesel — reach consumers in Sabah’s interior at controlled prices.
For the period from May 2025 to April 2027, the federal government has allocated RM202.5 million for the programme across Sabah, with over RM8 million designated specifically for Tawau District.
This allocation supports 607 Point of Sales across 228 distribution areas throughout the state, benefiting nearly 492,566 residents — including over 29,000 in Tawau. Four major zones under the Tawau KPDN office — Sebatik, Balung, Kalabakan, and Apas — have been prioritised, with 40 active POS locations receiving monthly supplies.
The monthly distribution quota includes white rice totalling 94,605 kilograms, sugar at 23,888 kilograms, wheat flour at 10,041 kilograms, cooking oil at 16,966 kilograms, and LPG at 5,800 cylinders. In addition, 68,800 litres of RON95 petrol and 77,200 litres of diesel are distributed each month.
“The implementation of this programme demonstrates the MADANI Government’s concern for people in remote areas who face logistical and transport cost challenges,” said Fuziah. “Providing access to essential goods at the same prices as in cities and ensuring supply continuity is a testament to our commitment to inclusive development and national well-being.”
She emphasised that Sabah remains central to the national development agenda, with Tawau serving as “clear proof that KPDN leaves no one behind.”
“This initiative reflects the government’s determination to build an inclusive, balanced, and prosperous nation,” she said.
Fuziah also called on all stakeholders — including transporters, wholesalers, and community leaders — to work in unison to ensure the programme runs smoothly and achieves its intended goals.
“Strong cooperation from all parties is crucial to maintaining supply chain integrity, preventing disruptions or delays in distribution, and ensuring essential goods reach their target communities on time and at fair prices,” she said.
“Such collaboration will not only strengthen the programme’s effectiveness but also catalyse the development of a more resilient and robust supply network — safeguarding the long-term welfare of residents in rural and island communities.” - August 11, 2025
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