Food for all: The Community Response Squad Movement in Kuala Muda, Kedah, set up the vegetarian eatery in Jalan Kuala Ketil (below) to offer set meals at RM3 for the underprivileged.
Sungai Petani initiative aims to ensure no one goes hungry
SUNGAI PETANI: A RM3 meal consisting of rice with three side dishes and a drink is now within reach for those struggling to make ends meet.
The gesture is a project of the Community Response Squad Movement in Kuala Muda to help the less fortunate regardless of their background.
The meals are served at the movement’s eatery at 312, Jalan Kuala Ketil here from 7.30am to 3pm daily except for Fridays.
Those who cannot afford the price can also eat for free.
The movement’s secretary, Michael Saw, 36, said they took over the eatery, which was a vegetarian restaurant, when the former owner decided to close the business.
“We spent about RM55,000 renovating and upgrading the premises. We reopened it on Dec 8, with the hope of bringing relief to underprivileged people who rely on these meals to get through the day.
“The RM3 meal sets are available to everyone, including the elderly, disabled and homeless.
“However, for those who cannot afford even RM3, we will conduct a background check on them and if they qualify, the meals are given for free,” he said yesterday.
Saw welcomed the public to dine at the eatery, which would prepare some 10 dishes daily, and pay the regular price to support the initiative.
“We believe that if everyone practises kindness, more vulnerable people will be taken care of,” he said.
He said the meals would be delivered to the recipients’ homes if they cannot visit the eatery.
“Since the pandemic in 2020, we have been delivering nearly 100 food packets to about 30 disadvantaged households in this area daily,” he added.
He said running the eatery comes with bills to foot.
Saw said the movement spends some RM16,000 monthly for, among others, the utility bills and salaries for two cooks and two waiters.
