The government has allocated RM100 million for the price standardisation programme in Sabah this year.

Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism (KPDNKK) Minister Hasan Malek ( right ) said RM10 million would be for price standardisation of essential items, RM7 million for LPG, and RM83 million for petrol and diesel or 'community drumming'.

"The community drumming programme involves 86 transport firms and 397 distribution areas, mainly in the interior areas.

"The ministry also wants to ensure that the transporters are from local firms, besides increasing the number of distribution areas particularly in Sabah," he said after a festive season price control inspection at the Servay hypermarket in Penampang today, in conjunction with Pesta Kaamatan.

Meanwhile, Hasan said KPDNKK would reactivate six of its sub-branches in Sabah, at Ranau, Kota Marudu, Beluran, Telupid, Papar and Tambunan from May 19.

He said the offices would be open on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 8 am until 5 pm, except public holidays.

- Bernama