240 traditional retail shops modernised under Tukar
KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 14 (Bernama) - Some 240 traditional retail shops nationwide have been modernised via the Retail Shop Transformation Programme (TUKAR) to improve competitiveness in a competitive environment.
Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said the ministry plans to increase the number to 500 retail shops by year end and at least 5,000 by 2020.
"It is not only about physical change but also change in management and thinking to be more systematic and orderly manner to compete with hypermarkets such as Giant and Tesco," he told reporters after opening the 6th Asia-Pacific Retail Conference here.
He said via the programme, retailers would be given soft loans up to RM60,000 for renovation at only three per cent interest with a repayment period of 15 years. So the total repayments are affordable small retailers, "he said.
The two-day conference starting today is organised by University of Malaya with cooperation Oxford Institute of Retail Management, Hosei University (Japan) and the ministry involves 300 participants from 13 countries.
Opening the fourth 'Kedai Rakyat 1Malysia' (KR1M) in Putrajaya, Ismail said Malaysians should change their perception of 1Malaysia products.
He said the ministry is constantly monitoring the quality of 1Malaysia products repacked with the brand 'Kedai Rakyat 1Malaysia'.
"1Malaysia products sold in simple packaging cost 30% to 40% less than other products on the market.
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