NEWLY appointed state executive councillor Goh Choon Aik has made a major policy adjustment in his portfolios of trade and national unity by splitting up trade into two areas - international trade and domestic trade, as well as living costs.
The restructure, which is sanctioned by the state, is aimed at boosting the trade ecosystem in line with the Penang 2030 vision, while also addressing the supply chain and living cost pressures endured by consumers here.
Goh, the Bukit Tambun assemblyman and state PKR vice-chairman, said this after visiting the Mydin Hypermarket in Bukit Mertajam to check the market status ahead of tomorrow's Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebrations.
"The initiative is guided by the aspiration of healthy trade, sustainable supply and reasonable prices.”
As part of the restructuring, Goh said a comprehensive supply database will be developed to monitor real-time supply and demand across various sectors, including agriculture, livestock, aquaculture and fisheries.
“The main objective is to strengthen the business ecosystem through accurate data, stabilise the supply of essential goods and ensure prices remain reasonable to ease the people’s cost of living,” he said.
To support the initiative, Goh said a special committee comprising key agencies such as the Malaysia Competition Commission (MyCC), Companies Commission of Malaysia (SSM), Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (FAMA), Intellectual Property Corporation of Malaysia (MyIPO), Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers (FMM), consumer associations as well as representatives from the food and fisheries industries will be formed.
“The committee’s first meeting is scheduled to take place next month."
Goh also mentioned that state assemblymen – Azrul Mahathir Aziz (Bayan Lepas), Lee Boon Heng (Kebun Bunga) and K. Kumaran (Bagan Dalam) – have also been appointed to ensure grassroots concerns are reflected in policy decisions.
On consumer welfare, he said the state government will continue to strengthen cooperation with the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry through the Rahmah Sales programme.
“The focus will be on rural areas, particularly those far from commercial centres, to ensure access to affordable goods without affecting existing retailers,” he said.
He added that the state will continue organising consumer awareness campaigns and dialogue sessions to protect public interests and promote informed purchasing decisions. - March 20, 2026.
