Menu Rahmah: PAS MP courts flak for implying it may pose autism risk

A PAS MP has courted flak online for expressing concern that "low-quality" food could expose people to the risk of various medical conditions, including autism.

"We do not want shortcuts, we do not want to compromise on food that is low on quality.

"I have no issues with the 'Rahmah' concept or anything, but don't let the B40 (low-wage earners) be served low-quality food that could expose them to the risks of cancer, autoimmune disease, and autism, among others," Dr Halimah Ali (PN-Kapar) said while debating the royal address in Dewan Rakyat on Tuesday.

However, the video of Halimah's speech only went viral on social media today.

Halimah (above) was referring to the Menu Rahmah initiative, which 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.

Taking to Twitter, Kuching MP Dr Kelvin Yii urged Halimah to explain her remark.

"As a medical doctor, I want to ask, what kind of food can cause autism? Please explain..." the DAP lawmaker said.

Another user asked whether Kapar voters were happy with the "level" of leader they have.

A netizen remarked that Halimah should instead concentrate on fixing the broken roads in her constituency, which allegedly caused a lot of accidents.

Another Twitter user lambasted Halimah for belittling the efforts taken by the government, rather than giving constructive suggestions to improve things.

When approached at the Parliament complex today, Halimah said she did not mean to say that eating low-quality food could lead to a developmental disorder like autism.

“The big issue is you are feeding the hungry, but please make sure that the food provided is healthy and not hazardous,” she said.

Asked what kind of food served on the Menu Rahmah could cause autism, Halimah replied, “It doesn’t matter. I didn’t say mamak restaurants are going to be hazardous. I’m just saying just be careful.

“Don't be too desperate just because you want to say you provide cheap food and the restaurants have to (yield) to govt pressure.”

Additional reporting by ISABELLE LEONG.

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