MELAKA – After Penang and Terengganu, it is now the turn of a five-star hotel in Melaka to offer “nasi bajet” (budget rice) at only RM2, as part of its efforts to stay afloat while the tourism sector is shut due to the implementation of the movement control order (MCO).
Hatten Hotel head chef Badrol Hisham Mohd Ali said the move is to bring in revenue, as the hotel’s restaurant is still closed and there are no customers staying at the hotel.
“Apart from generating hotel revenue affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, the sale of budget rice will also give joy to people whose income has been adversely affected by providing a meal at a cheaper price.
“We started selling the budget rice on Friday, and the response has been encouraging, with about 500 people visiting the stalls daily.”
Badrol Hisham said among the dishes prepared for the affordable meal is white rice served with either a piece of chicken or fish, as well as some vegetables.
“There are also other side dishes, such as ayam madu, ayam percik, as well as cakes and cookies, but they are sold separately.
“We offer a different menu every day, so that customers can enjoy different dishes,” he said, adding that they open shop at noon until 8pm daily.
He said for now, the budget rice will be sold daily for a month, and the hotel will decide on the next course of action based on MCO developments.
A customer, who wanted to be known only as Azlin, 22, said she is happy that the hotel offers a budget-rice option as she works only as a salesgirl at a healthcare shop near the hotel.
“Since Banda Hilir is a public focus area, most eateries sell food at a slightly expensive price, therefore this budget rice helps me get a nice meal at a cheaper price.
“Even though I had to queue up for about 30 minutes, it is worth it.” – Bernama, February 8, 2021
