SUBANG JAYA – The Menu Rahmah meal programme meant for the hardcore poor is currently running as a private initiative, but the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry (KPDN) can consider providing funds if needs be.
Its minister Datuk Seri Salahuddin Ayub said today that the government wanted the programme to operate first with no allocated funds from Putrajaya.
“As of now, our efforts are to ensure that the government is not spending,” he said in a press conference at the launch held at the Mydin hypermarket here today.
“But, if they would like (the ministry)’s assistance, a special budget for the initiative could be given.”
The programme, which provides a full meal for no more than RM5, requires around RM127,000 to effectively reach its target group among the hardcore poor.
Costs for the programme are borne by participating associations from the food and beverage and retail sectors.
Currently, over 15,000 eateries nationwide under the participating associations will provide the meals. These eateries comprise some 12,000 mamak restaurants, 800 Indian restaurants, 500 Kuala Lumpur-based tomyam shops, and all Mydin outlets.
Individuals who want a Menu Rahmah meal are only required to tell the eatery operator that they wish to order from this menu. The meals are available on a daily basis without a limit to the numbers sold per day.
The menu, which includes mixed rice meals with protein and vegetables, also includes other items like chicken rice, noodles, rojak, and shawarma, among others.
Salahuddin said that as the programme targeted the poor, he hoped others who could afford to pay more than RM5 for a meal would not abuse it since no proof of income status is required.
He thanked the participating restaurants for bearing the cost of the programme and for being willing to sacrifice a cut of their profits without compromising portion sizes.
Salahuddin said that while the government is not funding the programme, he will table incentives for the participating outlets to the cabinet.
He said the ministry’s role would be to facilitate and provide assistance to participating restaurants so that they can continue to serve the needy.
Meanwhile, Mydin Mohamed Holdings Bhd managing director Datuk Ameer Ali Mydin said the programme is manageable from the producer’s point of view.
“It’s not that we cannot do (this). We have cross-checked the costs to run (the programme),” he said.
“We (Mydin) do not make that much profit, but we aren’t making losses either.
“This means that the plan can go on for a longer period. We promise to operate for at least three months. Hopefully, we can sustain for longer,” he added.
Ameer added that Mydin, as a participating business in the Menu Rahmah programme, would prefer to be independent rather than rely on government funding.
“For me, please do not give subsidies. The last thing we need is to be subsidised.
“We have to be able to stand on our own two feet. Save the funds for development, not for funding (the programme).”
He also said Menu Rahmah could help the participating businesses with marketing, as the reasonably priced meals would attract more customers.
The ministry today signed a memorandum of understanding with participating associations, namely, the Malaysian Muslim Restaurant Owners Association, Malaysian Indian Restaurant Owners Association, Malaysian Tomyam Owners Association, Malaysia Singapore Coffee Shop Proprietors General Association, Bumiputera Retailers Organisation, Malaysia Retail Chain Association, and Malaysia Retailers Association. – The Vibes, January 31, 2023
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