Madani Mart won’t sideline small retailers, says govt

 Deputy domestic trade and cost of living minister Fuziah Salleh says efforts are under way to review the sundry shop market and integrate them into the Madani Mart network.

Madani Mart will indirectly support sundry shops and small and medium-sized enterprises, said deputy minister Fuziah Salleh. (Bernama pic)

PETALING JAYA:

 The government’s Madani Mart initiative will not restrict the growth of regular sundry shops, says deputy domestic trade and cost of living minister Fuziah Salleh.

Fuziah said Yayasan Madani, as the brand owner, is reviewing the sundry shop market with a view of integrating them into the Madani Mart network.

She said her ministry is aware of several challenges faced by sundry shops such as their inability to purchase in bulk because of limited capital, lack of access to credit facilities, and difficulties in accessing a sustainable supply chain.

“Madani Mart will indirectly support sundry shops and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

“Yayasan Madani is currently in discussions to make this happen,” she told FMT, adding that empowering small retailers to sustain the SME ecosystem remains a key government priority.

Madani Mart operations manager Lutfi Arifin said the initiative is based on a collaborative public-private partnership model.

He said each outlet is fully owned and operated by entrepreneurs under their own business entities.

“This ensures that every Madani Mart is owned by local entrepreneurs, not the government or the foundation,” he said.

Lutfi said Madani Mart operates in an open and competitive environment, with no monopoly in the appointment of suppliers or operators.

“Selections are based on commercial capability, operational efficiency, and an effective supply chain,” he said.

The model also promotes business ownership among the public, creating opportunities for local entrepreneurs to enter the modern retail sector within a transparent, structured, and competitive ecosystem, while gaining access to a sustainable supply chain.

Earlier today, a Malay trade group urged the government to ensure that its Madani Mart initiative does not kill off regular sundry shops, saying that such SMEs are key to the local economy.

The Malay Economic Action Council also suggested that some government funds involved in the Madani Mart outlets be channelled towards transformation programmes for sundry shops. - FMT