Big eateries can promote Menu Rahmah

KUALA LUMPUR: Big restaurants will lead the way in promoting the Menu Rahmah initiative without the need to change the standard RM5 price point, says Datuk Seri Salahuddin Ayub.

The Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister said concerns of restaurants going into debt and closing down from offering Menu Rahmah were completely unfounded.

“Most of the restaurants that have a Menu Rahmah have been running for years, if not decades, and a loyal customer base who frequents the restaurant.

“The risk of them suddenly losing profits to the point they need to close is extremely unlikely as the reduced profits from selling Menu Rahmah is made up by the increased number of new customers due to Menu Rahmah.

“This does not include the additional revenue from drinks or snacks these additional customers may order,” he said after launching the LuLu Malaysia Jualan Rahmah Ramadan Promotion campaign at LuLu Hypermarket in Cap Square here yesterday.

The campaign, under the government’s affordable shopping initiative Payung Rahmah, offer discounts of up to 70% on various daily necessities, from soap to food to electrical appliances, in all five of LuLu’s retail outlets in Klang Valley and its Johor Baru outlet until May 1.

He added that his ministry had yet to receive any complaint of Menu Rahmah causing massive losses or closures from the majority of places currently running the initiative.

He also reiterated that the Menu Rahmah initiative would continue to stay at its maximum RM5 price and restaurants looking to sell their food at discounted prices but could not reach the RM5 pricing would not be considered as Menu Rahmah.

“While it won’t be considered as a Menu Rahmah, we welcome the efforts by any business looking to sell their products or food at a reduced price to help the people.

“Menu Rahmah is not a forced initiative, we are not compelling restaurants or businesses to follow our pricing,” he said.

Salahuddin added that his ministry would work with more industry players to expand the Rahmah initiative for the upcoming festive season.