With the cost of living rising in Malaysia, ordinary folks are facing the increasingly difficult conundrum of finding an affordable place to eat when going out.
In light of that fact, the federal government took to introducing the Menu Rahmah initiative, which was launched earlier this year by the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Costs of Living, in hopes of providing an alternative to those who are struggling to buy themselves a meal. This initiative is one of many under the Payung Rahmah campaign, which includes other programmes such as Bakul Rahmah, Kafe Rahmah, Jualan Murah Rahmah, and Barangan Rahmah.
Source: The Sun Daily
Over 1,000 food operators nationwide are participating in the Menu Rahmah initiative!
Meals offered through Menu Rahmah are meant to cost no more than RM5, and should include a portion of rice, meat, as well as vegetables and a drink. While by no means compulsory, many food operators across the nation have taken to introducing their own version of Menu Rahmah based upon those very same prerequisites.
The initiative is applicable to all eateries, whether they be hawkers or large restaurant franchises. Since its introduction across the country, the initiative has seen great support from local entrepreneurs within the F&B scene, with as many as 1,500 operators currently pledging to take part in Menu Rahmah.
This was further supported by key industry organisations, which include:
- Malaysian Muslim Restaurant Owners Association (PRESMA)
- Malaysian Indian Restaurant Owners Association (PRIMAS)
- Malaysian Tomyam Restaurant Owners Association
- Malaysia Singapore Coffee Shop Proprietors General Association (MCSPGA)
- Bumiputra Retailers Organization (BRO)
- Malaysia Retail Chain Association (MRCA), and Malaysia Retailers Association (MRA)
KPDN is also extending their invites to all eateries and food vendors to participate in this initiative as it could be classified as a corporate social responsibility (CSR), to help those who are struggling to afford complete meals.
Current reports concerning the general reception for Menu Rahmah appear to indicate an upward trend in business from participating vendors. What’s more, with Ramadan bazaars happening in conjunction of fasting month, Minister Salahuddin Ayub has also shared that a total of 1,148 bazaar operators offering the Menu Rahmah has also seen a similar drive in sales.
Following the success of the initiative, local news portal Free Malaysia Today has revealed that the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) will be conducting a study to refine the incentives they can offer to help food operators who are taking part in Menu Rahmah.
Source: Utusan
“The study will be conducted after Hari Raya celebrations and the study would include interviews with food operators nationwide all the while reviewing the menu that the eateries offer to determine how the government can assist”, said Minister Salahuddin Ayub.
He also revealed that the study would also include other initiatives like Rahmah Basket under the Payung Rahmah programme which was distributed amongst the B40 community. When asked about the timeline of the initiative set, Salahuddin said that there is no specific timeline set for the initiative.
“The initiative will continue for as long as the food operators are willing to participate”, he said.
In an attempt to promote the Menu Rahmah initiative, the government has also set up a website that includes all the eateries that are currently running the programme. For those who are interested to support local and check out eateries across Malaysia that offers affordable meals, feel free to head on over to their portal here.
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