Great turnout at Agro Madani drive at Jepak Farmers Market

BINTULU (Jan 26): The Walkabout Agro Madani Sales programme at the Jepak Farmers Market here last Saturday recorded a very encouraging turnout.

Organised by the Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (Fama) Sarawak, the programme meant to support local communities, helping to ease the rising cost of living.

Jepak assemblyman Iskandar Turkee, who officiated at the opening ceremony, noted that the Jepak Farmers Market, a well-known weekend hotspot here, was already lively from as early as 6am, where crowds had gathered – all eager to grab fresh produce and other household goods at affordable prices.

“I can see the traders offering a diverse selection of fresh local produce, including ‘midin’ and ‘paku pakis’ (varieties of local ferns), ‘umbut’ (palm pith), ‘tepus’ (wild ginger stalks), ‘belacan’ (shrimp paste) and ‘lemantak’ (sago meal) – all traditional products that are closely linked to the identity of Jepak community.

“The local consumers also enjoyed Agro Madani promotional offers, such as the RM15 Madani Combo, fresh chicken priced at RM8 per kilogramme, and eggs at RM12 per tray,” he said.

Iskandar said the programme meant to not only ease the financial burden off the public, as it also provided broader market access for local farmers and small-scale traders.

The assemblyman also expressed his appreciation to Fama Sarawak, particularly its director Norsalawaty Abdul Kadir, as well as the Fama Bintulu Division team, for their efficient coordination and successful implementation of the programme.

Iskandar thanked the traders and visitors for their continued support of the Jepak Farmers Market, adding that similar initiatives would continue to be enhanced to promote community well-being and sustainable local development.