Najib said more shopkeepers could also become KR1M 2.0 partners because the business model was more open and included more organisations and traders from the private sector.

“The government aims to open up to 3,000 outlets that will also involve retailers, and boost economic growth that begins from the grassroots because the small traders can also benefit from this strategic collaboration,” he said in a speech carried on his blog.

KR1M 2.0 was launched on Feb 4 with improvements to the previous initiative which was terminated last September.

Najib said based on the rising trend of people purchasing goods at mini markets, the strategic collaboration of various parties in opening more KR1M 2.0 outlets would enable the people to save money.

He added that 50 daily essential goods of various brands would be listed under the initiative in stages to raise the people’s purchasing power.

“If previously the products were listed under the KR1M brand, KR1M 2.0 enables the people to buy branded goods found in regular markets but at lower prices.”