Ismail Sabri, how about boycotting ‘expensive’ KR1M, asks DAP

The Tesco brand of bleach is cheaper than KR1M’s own brand. – Pic courtesy of Lim Lip Eng, February 17, 2015.

An opposition MP today asked Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob if Malaysians should also boycott “Kedai Rakyat 1 Malaysia” (KR1M), after some of the items sold were found to be more expensive than hypermarkets.

Segambut MP Lim Lip Eng said that a price check conducted recently at KR1M and Tesco hypermarket showed significant differences in prices between both outlets, which were said to offer low prices.

"Based on Ismail's logic, does he also want to encourage Malaysians to boycott KR1M?" Lim asked after holding a press conference outside one of the KR1M outlets at Jalan Raja Laut in Kuala Lumpur today.

KR1M is a government-owned chain of convenience stores, selling groceries at a lower price.

The first outlet, at the Kelana Jaya Line Light Rail Transit (LRT) station, was opened by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak in 2011.

Complaints have been rife regarding its prices which were said to be higher compared with those sold in hypermarkets and quality of the products.

Lim today also provided the press with snapshots of items allegedly more expensive than those sold at hypermarkets.

"I just showed you the proof. There are products that are more expensive, from less than 1% to more than 100% compared with those sold at the hypermarket."

Lim said he wants Ismail to explain the matter within 24 hours.

"How is it that bleach is RM1.29 in the hypermarket but RM2.60 in Kedai Rakyat 1 Malaysia? The prices here are supposed to be lower.”

Lim said Najib should make a stand on the boycott issue whether they were targeting traders or certain shops.

He added that, Mydin, as the operator of KR1M should start reducing prices similar to its “price adjustment exercise” at its own stores.

"If Mydin stores can reduce prices last Friday, why can't they reduce prices in this special store (KR1M) catering to the urban low-income group... This morning, the prices are still the same."

Last Thursday, Ismail said he regretted his "boycott Chinese businesses" comments on Facebook.

- TMI