MIRI: Sarawak Transport Minister and Senadin state assemblyman, Datuk Seri Lee Kim Shin, has thrown his weight behind a targeted back-to-school Rahmah Sale, positioning it as a practical intervention to cushion families from rising education costs.
Lee visited Jun Rong Emart in Tudan to observe the two-day sale, which offered school uniforms, shoes, bags and other essentials at a 30 percent discount.
The initiative was organised through his collaboration with the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living and timed ahead of the new school term.
The choice of venue was deliberate. Lee said Emart Tudan sat within close reach of several B40 communities, making it easier for lower-income families to access essential school supplies without incurring additional transport costs.
Turnout over the two days was robust, with a steady flow of parents and students taking advantage of the discounted prices.
During his walkabout, Lee met families who said the savings would make a tangible difference to household budgets already under strain.
“This is about impact, not optics,” Lee said, stressing that targeted, community-based initiatives were often the most effective way to address cost-of-living pressures at ground level.
He expressed appreciation to Jun Rong Emart for its cooperation and to the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living for facilitating the Rahmah framework, which enabled retailers to offer meaningful discounts without compromising supply.
Building on the positive response, Lee announced plans to extend the Rahmah initiative through two additional sales focusing on daily necessities later this month.
The first is scheduled for January 17 and 18 at The Fresh Mart, followed by a second sale on January 28 and 29 at SI Speedmart Bypass.
The upcoming events, he said, would continue to prioritise affordability and accessibility, reinforcing the government’s commitment to targeted relief measures rather than broad-based subsidies.
For families grappling with the start-of-year financial squeeze, the message was clear. Help, for now at least, is coming to their neighbourhood stores.
