Students grateful to caterers offering reasonably priced food

Siti Nur Aishah says the Menu Rahmah meals have helped her save money.

THE availability of affordable meals to counter the rising cost of living is a relief for many, especially university students in Johor Baru.

Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) student Divyasri R. Krishnan, 25, is thankful to caterer Vinesh Shenthil Kumar for his affordable home-cooked Indian food.

“It is not easy to find home-cooked Indian food near the university and if we do, prices are rather high.

“Vinesh delivering food to campus without charge is another thing I really appreciate.”

She said although she could find affordable meals priced between RM5 and RM6 at cafes on campus, none of them tasted like home-cooked food.

Divyasri is grateful for the affordable home-cooked Indian food delivered by Vinesh.

“For me, it is not just about the price but about being able to have bits of home while I am away from my family,” she said.

UTM student, Melvin Low Rui Yi, 22, said he found several caterers including those operating from home and selling affordable meals.

“Food is expensive since the university is located near Singapore. It is also difficult to get a hearty and healthy meal at a low price outside campus.

“The caterers I found offered food between RM3.50 and RM6 including delivery.

“I am very thankful for such businesses because I can save some money and I also don’t have to spend too much time deciding what to eat,” he said.

Low has found several operators selling affordable meals outside campus.

Low added that he learned about these eateries from his friends and on social media.

“Having a balanced meal is important and it is good to know that we can still have such meals without having to spend too much,” he said.

Engineer Siti Nur Aishah Azman, 28, is grateful for the Menu Rahmah initiative.

“I believe most people are finding it increasingly difficult to save money because the prices of goods including necessities are on the rise.

“While I can still cope for now, it does help to have affordable Menu Rahmah meals, especially for those who are working and do not have much time to cook.

“I have my meals at a restaurant in Bandar Baru Uda which provides Menu Rahmah from time to time as a way to help patrons save money,” she said.