PARLIAMENT | Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Salahuddin Ayub has acknowledged that the Menu Rahmah programme's affordable meals are only a short-term fix and the government is unsure of its sustainability.
While the RM5 meals meet the needs of a particular segment of the community, he told the Dewan Rakyat today it is not a universal solution for all.
Instead, the National Action Council on Cost of Living (Naccol) comprising 11 ministries has been tasked to address the issue of rising living costs faced by the people.
It would look for long-term solutions to the bread-and-butter issues such as by implementing targeted subsidies, he said when winding up the royal decree at Dewan Rakyat.
"As someone who is not an economist, I have mentioned that the Menu Rahmah is intended for short-term implementation.
"Some parliamentarians have asked about its sustainability, but I am unable to provide a definite answer to that question," he said.
Salahuddin also defended the quality of the food served under the Menu Rahmah scheme, saying that participating eateries are offering quality food at affordable prices.
"There is no way for the ministry to tolerate any eateries that provide a low-quality menu, including substandard rice, sauce, chicken and fish. This is about our sense of responsibility and dignity."
Fast food chains to participate
Salahuddin was responding to Sim Tze Tzin (Pakatan Harapan-Bayan Baru) and P Prabakaran (Harapan-Batu) who criticised certain individuals for alleging that Menu Rahmah may cause cancer and autism.
The Menu Rahmah initiative was launched by the government in January in a bid to reduce living costs. Under the initiative, customers can buy meals at RM5 and below, comprising rice, chicken, or fish, and vegetables with plain water.
Dr Halimah Ali (Perikatan Nasional-Kapar) drew flak after she reportedly expressed her concerns about the programme during a debate in the Parliament last Tuesday.
Sim said he did not understand why certain parties would belittle or politicise Menu Rahmah while Prabakaran urged the government to ensure that the food under the initiative is safe for consumption.
Meanwhile, Salahuddin said fast food chains such as McDonald's, KFC, and Burger King, as well as eateries located along the North-South Expressway, will also participate in offering the Menu Rahmah initiative.
He further announced that the affordable meal programme served by non-halal eateries will be named Menu Kasih Sayang.
Previously, a similar scheme was introduced in 2011 called Menu Rakyat 1Malaysia, which offered meals costing up to RM4 each. However, the programme was quietly discontinued in 2015 when rising costs made it untenable. - Mkini
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