MANY food vendors have raised their prices amid rising costs, but Aminah Awang of Kampung Raja in Machang, Kelantan, has maintained her RM1 meals for nearly a decade.
Driven by a passion for cooking, the 58-year-old ventured into the business in 2016 after closing her provision shop.
She said the “RM1” idea came from her second daughter, Ku Nur Ainna Atiera, 31, who wanted village children to have an affordable, nutritious meal after school.
“The menu includes mee sup, bihun sup, kuey teow sup, nasi air, grilled sausages, air batu campur (ABC) and air batu jagung,” she told Bernama.
There is also rice with minced chicken for RM3, nasi bujang for RM2.50 and Maggi kari for RM3.
Each meal comes with mustard greens and shredded chicken to ensure balance.
She said she was able to maintain the RM1 price because she deals with local suppliers and keeps operating costs under control.
“Although the profit margin is small, I still make a modest income.
“What matters most is that the customers get an affordable meal and I can continue running this business,” she said while adding that her fourth daughter, Ku Nur Ainna Ariesya, 23, and four employees now assist her.
The shop, Kak Tie Mee Celup Dua Amah, opens from Sunday to Thursday, noon to 7pm, and sells between 200 and 250 bowls of food daily, and even gets customers from outstation.
Aminah said it was her way of giving back to the community, particularly low-income families.
“I see this as a form of charity.
“Families with many children or those who are less fortunate can still enjoy a wholesome meal at an affordable price.
“That is what makes me happy.”
Maria Nasuha Fauzi, a customer, said she has been coming here for the past four years although its a 30-minute drive from her home in Kampung Bukit Arang, Kuala Krai.
Often seen with her cousins, the 27-year-old said, “The food is delicious and filling.
“I usually order the noodle soup and ABC.
“This is one of the few places that still serves meals everyone can afford.”
A TikTok video by content creator Senok Perut, featuring Aminah’s RM1 noodle soup, went viral attracting more than 1.3 million views.
