THE government has expanded its Bazar Ramadan Rahmah initiative to 116 locations nationwide for 2026, as part of a broader effort to ease cost-of-living pressures during the fasting month.
The national launch of the 2026 Bazar Ramadan Rahmah programme was held at the Perling Mall Ramadan bazaar in Johor Bahru under the Payung Rahmah Madani umbrella, a government framework aimed at supporting lower- and middle-income households.
Under the scheme, participating traders are required to offer Rahmah meal options priced at RM5 and below as an additional menu choice, ensuring that lower-income families can obtain balanced meals for breaking fast at affordable prices.
Introduced on March 27, 2023, the programme has now entered its fourth year. For 2026, the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living has widened implementation in collaboration with local authorities, including nine locations in Johor.
In Johor, participating bazaars include Taman Yayasan in Segamat, Taman Wawasan in Mersing, Jalan Mawar in Kota Tinggi, Pesta in Batu Pahat, Laman Simpang Renggam in Kluang, Perling Mall and Taman Dahlia in Johor Bahru, Stadium Mini Pontian and Dewan Jubli Intan in Muar. The expansion is intended to ensure broader access to Rahmah meals and related initiatives throughout the state.
Traders at all Rahmah bazaars are encouraged to increase the range of affordable meal offerings across various food categories so that visitors from all backgrounds can benefit from reasonably priced options.
Alongside affordability, the government is placing renewed emphasis on reducing food waste through the rebranded Ihsan Food Bank initiative, formerly known as MySaveFood.
Launched on March 27, 2023, the programme rescues surplus food from Ramadan bazaars for redistribution to those in need through cooperation with local authorities, volunteer organisations and community groups.
By 2026, the initiative has been strengthened and extended to more Rahmah bazaar sites.
In 2025 alone, more than 69,040.7 kilograms of food valued at RM833,722 were recovered, preventing the release of over 129,020 kilograms of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.
The effort reflects the government’s stated commitment under Payung Rahmah Madani to curb food waste, promote compassion and support sustainable community welfare.
To ensure traders comply with regulations, the ministry is also implementing the PATUH initiative, which focuses on clear price displays and ethical business practices.
Regular monitoring is conducted to ensure that prices remain reasonable and do not burden consumers.
The ministry expressed appreciation to state governments, local authorities, strategic partners, volunteer bodies and technology platform providers for their cooperation in delivering the 2026 programme, noting that continued collaboration is essential to strengthening initiatives under Payung Rahmah Madani for the wellbeing of the public.
The announcement was issued by Deputy Minister of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Senator Datuk Dr Hajah Fuziah Salleh in Johor Bahru. - February 21, 2026
