KUCHING: Ramadan bazaar traders in the state have been encouraged to introduce and offer reasonably priced Rahmah menu to consumers.
Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) secretary-general Datuk Azman Mohd Yusof said the provision of Rahmah menu could help the less fortunate to buy meals at affordable prices.
“Especially during this holy month of Ramadan, we do emphasise traders to offer Rahmah menu consisting of food at a price as low as RM5 so that it can be seen in the aspect of helping the poor.
“But again, this is not by force. Traders who think they are capable of offering such a menu at a lower price are most welcome to do so,” he said to reporters during a walkabout at Stutong Ramadan Bazaar, Jalan Stutong here on yesterday (Apr 10).
During the walkabout at the bazaar, Azman said he came across traders selling food below RM5.
“For this Rahmah menu, it depends on the traders on how they want to set their menu. They can either sell meals for 20 packets for the day and that’s it, the rest will be charged at normal price.
“Also, we do encourage traders to create a balanced set of menu whereby it includes rice, meat, vegetable and perhaps with a bottle of mineral water,” he said.
He also mentioned that the preparation and quality of the Rahmah menu must not be compromised.
On the display of price tags, he reminded traders not to forget to put on the price of food or beverages that are on sale.
“For instance, there is food sold where the price ranges between RM5 to RM8 or RM10 to RM12, and price varies depending on the amount consumers buy.
“Therefore, it does not matter if the food is sold at a cheaper price or has various prices, it is compulsory for traders to display the price tag,” he said.
He believed that consumers would make the right decision when it comes to purchasing.
“Apart from that, for instance, some traders set a certain amount of food to be sold at a certain price, and if consumers want to buy a lesser amount, they can always negotiate nicely with traders whether they agree or not.
“So, at the end of the day, it lies on the consumers whether they decide to buy from that trader or not,” he said.
On Jan 31, KPDN Minister Datuk Seri Salahuddin Ayub launched the Menu Rahmah initiative of which a set menu is priced at RM5.
The initiative aims at helping B40 groups and hardcore poor by providing meals at an affordable price.
