Many traders unable to offer Menu Rahmah over cost concerns: Minister

PARLIAMENT | The government acknowledged that many traders are no longer able to offer Menu Rahmah due to rising costs.

However, Domestic Trade and Costs of Living Minister Armizan Mohd Ali stressed the government was mulling several ideas to ensure traders could continue with the programme.

“We are aware that some traders are no longer able to offer Menu Rahmah due to several factors including (rising) costs.

“However, we are committed to ensuring the programme can be offered in a targeted manner.

“And that’s why we are negotiating (on the matter) without involving direct aid in terms of subsidy to the traders involved,” he said during his winding-up speech on Supply Bill 2025 in the Dewan Rakyat today.

Earlier, Mohd Radzi Md Jidin (PN-Putrajaya) urged the minister to provide statistics on the status of the Menu Rahmah programme.

To ensure the continuity of the programme, Armizan said the government would consider allowing participating traders to purchase goods in bulk during the Rahmah Madani Sales Programmes (PJRM).

“We are looking into allowing these traders to purchase goods in bulk during PJRM programmes.

“But we have to set some conditions, including looking at the consistency of the trader offering Menu Rahmah,” he added.

Menu Rahmah is a programme mooted by Armizan’s predecessor, the late Salahuddin Ayub.

Under the programme, participating restaurants and traders would sell meals for as low as RM5. 

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