Translate '1Malaysia' To Tangible Benefit For The People, Says M'sian PM

HULU LANGAT, July 14 (Bernama -- Najib Razak intends for the 1Malaysia concept to be translated into something tangible which can benefit the people and not just remain a mere slogan or political rhetoric. The Prime Minister emphasised that more 1Malaysia services and products are needed to help ease the current rise in the cost of living. "When 1Malaysia services and products are introduced, the list has no 'full stop' only 'comas', there's no end. But we cannot allow the 1Malaysia brand to be used indiscriminately. "There're many who apply to use the brand, I agree to some and reject some. The important thing is that the 1Malaysia services and products must help the people," he said at the launching of the Kedai Kain Rakyat 1Malaysia (KKR1M) or the 1Malaysia People's Textile Shop, here Saturday. Also present at the launching of the shop at No 1, Jalan Lagenda Suria, Taman Lagenda Suria, here were Domestic Trade, Cooperative and Consumerism Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob and Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Minister Noh Omar. On July 8, Najib announced the setting up of the shop as another intiative by the ruling Barisan Nasional (National Front) government to help ease the people's burden. Najib listed the three criteria needed for the approval of the 1Malaysia brand. "First, the services and products must be for the people; second, they must be of good quality, as we'll not compromise on services or products which are inferior. "Third, the services and products must be cheaper than market rates. If all three criteria are fulfilled, then we'll allow (the 1Malaysia name to be used)," he explained. He noted that in the past three years, the BN government had introduced various 1Malaysia services and products to assist the people, such as 1Malaysia People's Aid (BR1M), which was warmly received. Najib, who is also Finance Minister, remarked that the Kedai Rakyat 1Malaysia (1Malaysia People's Shop -KR1M) received encouraging response and managed to chart good sales. He described the 1Malaysia People's Clinic as a big help in easing the burden of the citizens, especially in the lower income group, as it offered cheap but quality service. "Private clinics would cost at least RM30 (US$9.6), not including bus or taxi fare. But medical care at the 1Malaysia Clinic only costs RM1 (US$.32 cents). "We also have the 1Malaysia People's Menu with delicious and nutritious breakfast and lunch for only RM2 (US$.65 cents) and RM4 (US$1.29)," he said. Other programmes by the government include the 1Malaysia People's Housing (PR1MA), to help the middle income group to have better access to house ownership and 1Malaysia People's Taxi (TR1MA) aimed at improving the country's public transport services. Najib promoted the KKR1M shop saying it offered various types of high quality clothes and textile at lower than market rates. "I confirm, the clothes and textiles (at KKR1M) are way cheaper than market prices. The Ministry (Domestic Trade, Cooperative and Consumerism) has taken the time to review all the prices," he said. The shop also sells curtains, school uniforms and prayer attire for Muslims. Najib said another 30 KKR1M shops would be opened nationwide in the next two years. -- BERNAMA