By Natasha Jee & Ivy Maria Christopher
KUCHING: The Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (Fama) Sarawak is planning to set up a one-stop market mobile application to boost the sales of fresh local produce and livestock from its market.
Its director Abdul Jaafar Lian said the matter was still being under the study and discussion by the authorities concerned.
“We want to do it similar to that done in Kuala Lumpur whereby through such apps, it will allow people to browse through and purchase them easily.
“Once they purchase the items, there will be a delivery of the fresh produce right to the buyers’ doorsteps,” he told reporters after officiating at the Eat More Local Fruits and Fresh Salad (Ulam-Ulaman) Campaign programme at Medan Niaga Satok here on Saturday.
This is one of the ways to help the local traders to increase their sales, he pointed out.
“At the moment, people can also buy fresh produce or other products from Fama’s online store at www.agrobazaar.com.my,” Abdul Jaafar said.
He asserted that the Covid-19 pandemic had changed the way of how traders conduct their business.
“Some of them use social media platforms such as WhatsApp or the Marketplace platform on Facebook to promote and sell their products.”
Asked on whether any assistance has been given to alleviate the challenges faced by traders during the pandemic, Abdul Jaafar said both the federal and state governments had provided financial assistance.
“On Fama’s part, last year we also provided a discount of 60 percent on the hawkers’ rental fee for the period of April until August,” he added.
Earlier, when commenting on the one-day programme, he said the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industries through Fama organised the campaign with the aim of promoting the consumption of more local produce.
“During this pandemic, it makes it much more crucial to consume more fruits and vegetables to increase one’s immunity system.
“Through the campaign, we are also helping the local traders at our market here by buying from them and promoting their products through the programme,” he said.
Also present were Medan Niaga Satok permanent block unit head Angelina Bidol and its corporate and marketing technology unit head Elissa Nawawi.
