Its minister Ronald Kiandee said in a statement today that a total of 85 marketing outlets of the Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (Fama) were involved in the programme comprising 59 farmers’ markets, 23 permanent farmers’ markets and three MyFarm outlets that would conclude tomorrow.

He said the government’s decision to allow the continued operation of Fama marketing outlets, such as the Aidilfitri farmers’ markets, was to ensure that consumers receive fresh supplies for the festive season.

“This programme aims at providing platforms for entrepreneurs to market their agricultural products during the Aidilfitri celebrations.

At the same time, he said Fama will continue to ensure that each of its marketing outlets complies with SOPs set by the health ministry and the National Security Council to curb the spread of Covid-19.

Kiandee said between January and April, a total of 307 farmers’ markets involving 12,843 entrepreneurs were operating nationwide and recorded a sales value of RM87.5 million.

“Overall, farmers’ market traders have used cashless transaction services such as Maybank QR-Pay, Touch ‘n Go eWallet, Grab Pay and Boost in transactions.

“About 30% or 90 out of 302 farmers’ market locations, involving 61% or 9,098 out of 12,843 entrepreneurs, have used this service,” he said.