The Rahmah Ramadan Bazaar (BRR) concept was recently introduced by the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry at 38 locations nationwide, under the Payung Rahman initiative, to reduce the people's cost of living.
Malaysiakini carried out surveys at two BRRs in the Klang Valley - one at the Campbell Complex in Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman (TAR), and another at Precinct 14, Putrajaya, to check whether the prices are really 'rahmah' (compassionate) as advertised, and the food is of quality.
Based on checks, the food sold under the Rahmah badge includes "heavy meals" such as tomato rice, nasi lemak with gravy, chicken rice, mini roti John, and mee hoon with chicken soup, as well as a variety of Malay kuihs.
The way the items were advertised, however, differed between the two BRRs.
At the bazaar in Jalan TAR, the Menu Rahmah was prominently displayed by the traders, while in Putrajaya, it was more muted, where consumers have to ask for it before it is given.
Video editor Hannan Asri told Malaysiakini that the Menu Rahmah was "worth it".
"I live alone and my working hours are not fixed, so with this Menu Rahmah, I don't have to think about buying raw materials (to cook).
"With just RM5, I get a complete set of meals to break my fast," said the 24-year-old.
University student Nuzul Ikmal, who frequents the Precinct 14 bazaar, concurred with Hannan on the affordability part.
"I'm thankful for the Rahmah initiative as I get to buy a variety of food at affordable prices," said the 24-year-old.
However, not all food under the Menu Rahmah sold as well as they should have.
A keropok lekor stall operator who only wanted to be known as Akmal said although he sold the delicacy for RM5, hardly anyone bought it, although the bazaar at Jalan TAR saw an endless stream of visitors daily.
"I'm confident that this situation will change as the Ramadan month draws to an end," said the 21-year-old.
The situation differed with kebab seller Imran Mustaqim, 25, who said his product received an encouraging welcome from customers.
He urged the government to continue the Rahmah initiative to encourage the people to start saving.
"At the same time, the government should also help traders by offering subsidies, and controlling the prices of raw cooking materials to help our business," said Akmal. - Mkini
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