KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 17 — Kedai Rakyat 1 Malaysia (KR1M) operator Mydin today rebutted allegations that its products were more costly than those available at a hypermarket chain, and accused the DAP lawmaker who made the claim of misleading the public.
Addressing DAP MP Lim Lip Eng who highlighted products available elsewhere for less than those sold at KR1M, which was set up to provide Malaysians with affordably priced items, Mydin managing director Datuk Ameer Ali Mydin said the comparison was unfair.
“YB was comparing KR1M bleach (containing 5.25 per cent sodium hypochlorite) selling at RM2.60 with Tesco Everyday Value bleach (containing 4.25 per cent sodium hypochlorite) sold at RM1.29 when he should be comparing KR1M bleach (5.25 per cent sodium hypochlorite) with Tesco Choice bleach (5.25 per cent sodium hypochlorite) sold at RM3.05.
“This clearly shows that not only YB is trying to deceive the public but he just shoots from the hip, that is no research done,” Ameer said in a statement tonight.
Saying the public was already suffering from rising prices, Ameer said issuing inaccurate comparisons using products of differing quality only served to confuse Malaysian buyers further.
He then urged Lim to be mindful of the poor, whom Ameer described as “grateful with the existence of KR1M”.
“Let’s all not waste time in one-upmanship. Instead, let us build a peaceful and harmonious Malaysia,” Ameer ended.
Earlier today, Lim claimed KR1M’s items were dearer than competitors and asked Cabinet member Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob if he will suggest a boycott against government-backed chain, in reference to the federal minister’s controversial call for racial boycott of Chinese traders.
Among others, Lim claimed that a Tesco outlet near a KR1M branch in the city centre sold bleach, dishwashing liquid, and a strawberry flavoured yoghurt drink for less than the latter chain.
Ameer’s statement did not address the discrepancies with the dishwashing liquid and yoghurt drink.
Two weeks ago, Ismail Sabri sparked a firestorm of protest over his Facebook post urging Malay consumers to boycott allegedly profiteering Chinese businesses.
The minister has since deleted the Facebook post, and Putrajaya issued a statement to “clarify” that the minister was referring to all unscrupulous traders and not only to those of Chinese descent.
KR1M was established as part of a government initiative to address the increasing cost of living among poorer urban residents.
According to its official website, KRIM stores are “based on a mini-market format” and “provide various basic necessities at low prices in convenient urban locations”.
