Sebatik Assemblyman Wants Supply Of Subsidised Items Improved

TAWAU (Sabah, Malaysia), April 7 (Bernama) -- Sebatik assemblyman Abdul Muis Picho has expressed disappointment over the distribution of subsidised goods to Sebatik Island, saying it has not been proceeding smoothly. He said he received many complaints from residents and retailers from the island claiming that they have not received the items from the four appointed agents since several days ago, causing much inconvenience. "Villagers contacted me on Friday and said that these agents have yet to supply these items to them. If they buy directly from Tawau, they will be stopped by the authorities," he told reporters after attending an oil palm seedling distribution here on Saturday. He called on the four agents appointed by the Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Ministry to ensure continuous supply. On March 28, the ministry announced that 92 retailers on the island were no longer allowed to buy subsidised items directly from Tawau and instead, should obtained them from the four agents. This was to prevent these items from being smuggled out to the neighbouring country, the ministry said. -- BERNAMA