The Malay Economic Action Council (MTEM) suggested that some government funds involved in the Madani Mart outlets be channelled towards transformation programmes for sundry shops.

“This would yield a wider economic impact compared with building a new network of minimarts that may compete with local shops,” MTEM board of trustees member Syahnis Salleh said in a statement.

Syahnis also urged the domestic trade and cost of living ministry to ensure that Rahmah Sales programmes are not restricted to Madani Marts but extended to all retailers, including sundry shops.

“We fear that giving an unfair advantage to one entity, namely Madani Marts, would affect competition among small retailers that do not have access to the same subsidies.”

He also urged the ministry to hold talks with trade associations before embarking on such large-scale projects, to ensure that the concerns of petty traders are accounted for.

He suggested that the government give SME operators in the sector grants, wholesale fast-track access, and operating licence rebates to help them compete with Madani Marts.

Deputy domestic trade and cost of living minister Fuziah Salleh had said that the Madani Mart initiative does not rely on government funds but operates on a licensing model in collaboration with entrepreneurs, with each outlet privately owned.

However, she said Yayasan Madani, as the brand owner, manages the ecosystem and provides shop owners with “supply chain support” to offer daily necessities at affordable prices.