TAWAU, SABAH, Malaysia August 10, 2025 – The Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) reaffirms its commitment to ensuring no community in Sabah’s remote areas is left without access to essential goods, with an allocation of RM202.5 million for the period from May 2025 to April 2027.
Deputy Minister of KPDN, Senator Datuk Dr. Hajah Fuziah Salleh, visited four Point of Sales (POS) locations under the Essential Goods Distribution Program, Community Drumming (CD), and Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) initiatives around Tawau. The visit aimed to monitor the program’s implementation, which provides subsidies to selected transportation companies to distribute controlled goods from supply hubs to sales centers in remote and island areas.
According to Fuziah, the program, launched in 2009, seeks to ensure residents in remote areas receive essential goods at prices comparable to urban areas while maintaining supply stability. Seven subsidized essential items are included: white rice, coarse refined white sugar, wheat flour, pure palm cooking oil, LPG, RON95 petrol, and diesel.
Of the total allocation, over RM8 million is dedicated specifically to the Tawau district, benefiting 607 POS across 228 distribution areas in Sabah, serving nearly 492,566 residents. In Tawau, more than 29,000 residents in four key zones—Sebatik, Balung, Kalabakan, and Apas—benefit through 40 active POS.
Monthly distribution quotas for these zones include 94,605 kg of white rice, 23,888 kg of sugar, 10,041 kg of wheat flour, 16,966 kg of cooking oil, 5,800 LPG cylinders, 68,800 liters of RON95 petrol, and 77,200 liters of diesel.
“This program demonstrates the MADANI Government’s concern for the people, particularly in remote areas facing logistical challenges and high transportation costs,” Fuziah said in her statement.
She added that the initiative ensures access to essential goods at affordable prices and guarantees supply continuity, reflecting the government’s commitment to building an inclusive and balanced nation. Sabah, as part of the MADANI agenda, remains a key focus in national development.
KPDN also urged cooperation from transporters, wholesalers, and community leaders to ensure the program runs smoothly without disruptions or delays. “The support of all parties is crucial to strengthening the supply chain and ensuring the long-term well-being of the people,” Fuziah emphasized.
The program is set to continue until 2027, with a focus on remote areas to bridge the gap between urban and rural communities.