KUCHING: A visit to Goceli at The Hills Shopping Mall here during the ongoing Jualan Rahmah MADANI (Rahmah Sale) found steady crowds of shoppers taking advantage of lower-priced daily necessities as families look to ease the cost of living.
Many were observed purchasing essential groceries such as rice, cooking oil, eggs, bread and drinks, with several saying the programme helps stretch their household budgets.
Dayang Nur Aqeela Awang Jobli said she was buying rice, cooking oil, canned drinks, biscuits and frozen food for both daily use and upcoming celebrations.
“What attracted me is that many of these are controlled-price items and clearly cheaper than at my regular supermarket. When you shop for a whole family, even small discounts make a real difference to the monthly budget.”
Housewife Chai Peck Choo came hoping to buy rice but found it sold out and chose other items instead, including eggs, which were still available.
She said most of her purchases were for daily needs rather than festive celebrations, adding that Jualan Rahmah Madani sales usually offer slightly cheaper prices compared to regular shops.
“If it’s near my home or my child’s school, I will come. After picking up my child, I stop by to buy what we need,” she said, noting the sales are convenient for families.
Businessman Adi Hamiz Johar said he regularly buys drinks, milk, tempeh, eggs and bread, especially for his children, as these are everyday necessities.
“For a family like mine with five children, groceries are daily needs, not once-a-month items. Cheaper goods really help families manage expenses, and programmes like this should be held more often,” he said.
Many shoppers interviewed shared similar views, saying Jualan Rahmah Madani initiatives provide meaningful relief, particularly for larger families managing rising food and household costs.
First-time visitor Johari Nordin said he came specifically to purchase Jualan Rahmah Madani-priced essentials, especially kitchen staples.
“This is my first time coming. For Jualan Rahmah Madani items, the most important are kitchen goods, especially rice and sugar. Items that used to be expensive before the Rahmah sale are now more affordable. We look for essentials like fresh rice. Before this programme, prices had risen quite high but with the Jualan Rahmah Madani sale, they have gone down significantly.”
He added that the discounted items help households save on daily food expenses and hoped the initiative would continue.
“I feel these items help a lot. If possible, include more daily necessities in the Jualan Rahmah Madani list and continue this programme in 2026.”
Meanwhile, Councilor Bong Siak Peng said he was at the mall for regular grocery shopping but would take the opportunity to buy discounted items if available.
“I’m here for normal household purchases. If I drop by and see discounts, I’ll buy. But usually it depends on convenience, easier parking and access.”
He noted that while Rahmah sales benefit many, accessibility could be improved, particularly for those living farther away.
“If the location is too far and parking is difficult, it may not benefit some people. I think it should be made more accessible, especially for those in kampung or rural areas. They probably need it the most. Urban residents also need it but in towns, you can sometimes still find cheaper options.”
