SHAH ALAM: The Ministry of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives (KUSKOP) will introduce a mechanism to sell five essential items, namely sugar, cooking oil, flour, rice and frozen chicken, cheaper than the market price, using the brand name COOP, starting Friday.

KUSKOP Minister Tan Sri Noh Omar said the launch of the Coop brand initiative will be launched by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob in conjunction with the launch of the Selangor Keluarga Malaysia Tour (JAKM) on Friday.

The Selangor JAKM initiated by KUSKOP will be held over a three-day period from Friday starting 9am to 9pm at the vicinity of the Shah Alam Stadium.

"What is special about the Selangor JAKM is that the lauch will benefit entrepreneurs and the people through the cheap sale programme and 'happy hour' sale whereby a whole chicken will be sold at RM5 while goods like sugar, cooking oil, rice and flour will be sold at prices that are cheaper than market price," said Noh Omar when appearing on Ruang Bicara that was broadcast by Bernama TV, last night.

Noh Omar said the initiative was in line with the Prime Minister's call, urging the ministry to play a leading role via cooperatives to overcome the problem of middlemen (who hike prices) so that the people can enjoy cheaper priced goods.

"The launch of the five items under the COOP brand was initially scheduled on Sept 1, but due to the tireless efforts of the ministry's personnel, the launch can be held in conjunction with Selangor's JAKM launch," he said.

Noh Omar also sought the help of the people to monitor prices under the COOP brand and if found to be more expensive, people can lodge a complain at the Malaysian Cooperatives Commission.

He added that during the Selangor JAKM, he would also be involved in a dialogue with entrepreneurs at 2pm on Saturday, to enable entrepreneurs to ask questions related to the sector.

--BERNAMA