Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Seri Salahuddin Ayub (right) feeding a french fries to a child after the Menu Rahmah launching ceremony at Samballana Bistro, in Bandar Dato’ Onn, Johor Baru. - THOMAS YONG/The Star
JOHOR BARU: A total of 20 Rahmah Cafes will be introduced at 20 public higher learning institutions in Klang Valley after Hari Raya Aidilfitri, says Datuk Seri Salahuddin Ayub.
The Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister said he was working closely with Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin to prepare the initiative.
“The jurisdiction of the premises that prepare the food falls under the Higher Education Ministry, while the menu is under us.
“Senior officers from the two ministries are currently working together to streamline the initiative so that we can launch the programme after Hari Raya Aildilfitri,” he said after launching the Menu Rahmah at Samballana Bistro in Bandar Dato Onn here yesterday.
The Pulai MP added that the ministry would start with 20 public universities around Kuala Lumpur before expanding it to other higher learning institutions.
Salahuddin also said that food and beverage premises were allowed to customise their own version of Menu Rahmah, as long as it was priced under RM5.
He said the most important thing was that the menu offered should not compromise the quality, quantity or hygiene of the product.
“The Menu Rahmah initiative is more of a voluntary programme for the food and beverage sector, rather than a top down move from the ministry, and none of them are forced to provide this menu.
“But I am happy that there are many premises keen to participate in this programme to help the hardcore poor in line with our effort to combat the rising cost of living.
“The Menu Rahmah initiative is not meant to disrupt any business model, we just want to introduce a cheaper menu while eateries continue to sell what they already have,” he said.
Salahuddin said he would also be meeting with the Chinese Restaurants Associations and franchise companies next week to explore the possibility of these outlets also offering Menu Rahmah.
“We have also requested a directory of the Indian Muslim Restaurant Association’s 15,000 members so that we could help promote these restaurants through social media,” he said.
