Menu Rahmah won't have bad effect on small businesses, says Salahuddin

KUALA LUMPUR: The Menu Rahmah initiative will not marginalise small businesses, says Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Seri Salahuddin Ayub (pic).

He said it was unlikely that the affordable meal initiative would steal customers away from small businesses.

"Menus under the initiative are focused only on providing a meal for those looking to fill their stomachs at any time of the day regardless of what kind of food it is.

"Those looking for something extra or craving for something in particular will probably not go for the options under Menu Rahmah.

"As such, the risk of direct competition is extremely low as the initiative and small businesses are targeting very different groups of customers," he told reporters after launching Menu Rahmah for a nasi kandar restaurant in Cheras here on Monday (Feb 13).

He added that the initiative was voluntary and the ministry had not spent any funds on the programme.

"This initiative is a voluntary cooperative effort between the ministry and industry players for the sake of ensuring affordable meals for all.

"No operator is forced to join the programme. They can opt to discontinue their Rahmah Menus at any time if they believe their business can no longer afford it.

"We have not imposed any mandate on any restaurants to force them to join the initiative as we understand that not every business can afford to provide a filling RM5 menu," he said.

He added that the ministry would be looking to expand the programme to more major industries including oil and gas, banking and other vital economic sectors in the future.