Government is Confident in the Sustainability of ‘Menu Rahmah’ Initiative

BY: Michelle Liew

The government is confident that the Menu Rahmah initiative can survive and continue its implementation provided that the price of goods does not rise sharply.

Minister of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Datuk Seri Salahuddin Ayub said that the Rahmah Menu initiative involves three important components which are rice, chicken or fish and vegetables, which are among the price control items.

"I don't think it's possible that within these three months, the price of rice will go up by RM10. It's not possible that the price of vegetables will suddenly go up five or six times. It's the same as the price of chicken, we control the price.

"So I am confident and believe that if the current prices do not rise too much, the Rahmah Menu can still survive," he said after officiating the launch of the AEON Big Rahmah Sale at AEON Big Wangsa Maju today.

Salahuddin also informed that in addition to the factor of increasing the price of goods, the willingness of industry players is also an important matter, in an effort to continue the Rahmah Menu initiative.

"As long as they (industry players) feel there is still profit and they will also be a 'crowd puller', then they will continue with this plan. That is my belief," he said.

In the meantime, he said big industry players such as Lotus, 99 Speedmart, and NSK will also offer Jualan Rahmah on a rotating basis in certain months, to ease the burden on the people.

Commenting on the allegation that there are some parties taking advantage by using poor quality materials in the Rahmah initiative, he expressed confidence that the industry players who participated in this initiative, are the ones who are responsible and will not take advantage of the effort.

Meanwhile, touching on the Rahmah AEON Big Sales Program, Salahuddin said it offers 17 daily essential items at low prices including rice, cooking oil, processed food, and toiletries, to help the people cope with the rising cost of living, thereby boosting the country's economic sector.

"When compared to the price (of all 17 items) outside, it is able to save almost RM25. This will definitely help ease the burden of the people in need," said Salahuddin.