KOTA BHARU, July 11 — Since the Menu Rahmah initiative was introduced by the government in January this year, it has become the go-to meal for not only low-income earners but also students of higher learning institutions (IPT) around the city.
The situation, according to Ayang Cafe owner Nor Hazelizan Mamat, 45, allowed her business, which had been slow post-COVID-19, to return to full swing and she was able to earn almost RM1,000 a day from the 10 Menu Rahmah offered.
“My customers prefer Menu Rahmah because each set of rice and chicken with iced tea, or ‘roti ayang’ with iced tea or nasi kerabu with iced tea only costs RM5.
“At the same time, I hope that the government can monitor the price of wet goods and daily necessities from time to time so that it doesn’t burden the traders who take part in the Menu Rahmah initiative to at least get enough for rolling capital,” she said when met by Bernama here today.
Meanwhile, Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) Kelantan student Nik Muhammad Luqman Al-Hakim, 23, described Menu Rahmah meals offered by traders as a “saviour” for students like him.
“A complete menu that includes rice, chicken or fish, vegetables and drink can be bought for as low as RM5.
“This can indeed help students save money on their daily expenses, and I hope that this initiative will be expanded so that it can reach out to more people,” said the UiTM Kelantan Student Representative Council president.
Chicken trader Zarina Abdullah, 50, said the Menu Rahmah initiative is not only able to bring a positive impact on restaurant operators, but also on suppliers of raw materials.
According to her, she is able to supply between 150 and 200 raw chickens for around RM15 each to seven eateries around this district that serve Menu Rahmah.
In the meantime, Kelantan Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry director Azman Ismail said that as of today, more than 100 food premises throughout Kelantan offer Menu Rahmah meals.
“Of the total, Kota Bharu has the most premises offering the menu, followed by Pasir Mas, Tanah Merah, Jeli, Machang, Kuala Krai and also Gua Musang,” he said.
