KUALA LUMPUR: The success of the Micro Franchise and Affordable Franchise Development Programme having a direct impact on at least 35 full and matching grant recipients to grow their businesses is among the key benchmarks set by the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry under the 100-day Aspirasi Keluarga Malaysia (Malaysian Family Aspiration).Its minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi said the programme acted as a “push factor” in strengthening the economy in stages, which has had a positive socio-economic impact.

       “Although it has not been 100 days (yet), we have reached more than 35 recipients according to the RM4.5mil budget granted to us to develop this programme and provide assistance to them.

       “Initially we targeted 35 recipients, but now we have surpassed 37 and in a few days, maybe we can add more (recipients). So that has surpassed our target, giving a 100% achievement,” he said on Bernama TV’s Ruang Bicara programme on Saturday night, as reported by Bernama.

       Elaborating on the matter, he said the liquified petroleum gas regulatory exemption in Sarawak under the Petroleum Development Act 1974 and the Control of Supplies Act 1961, as well as the approval for SEDC Energy Sdn Bhd to become a full-fledged oil and gas company were among the ministry’s key performance indicators to boost the petroleum and gas industry, in line with the government’s commitment to the Malaysia Agreement 1963.

       “Regarding the regulatory exemption, we have given letters of appointment to the relevant parties in Sarawak and that has also achieved 100%.

       “We are at the forefront of this matter to assist the ministries and authorities in Sarawak to ensure that enforcement runs smoothly,” he said.

       Nanta said the ministry had also set a target to safeguard the rights and well-being of consumers in weathering the Covid-19 pandemic by lowering the ceiling price of Antigen Rapid Test Kit (RTK) products in the market.

       “The price of the test kit is now much lower than the initial target. We wanted to set the maximum selling price of the kit at RM19.90, but now the kit is being sold for around RM6 and the latest, RM4.90. So, even there, we have succeeded,” he added.

       He said the success was due to the commitment of the ministry and officers involved, and the comprehensive implementation of planned strategies and mechanisms.