JOHOR BARU: A total of 116 Bazaar Ramadan Rahmah will be held nationwide this year, up from just 41 when the initiative was first introduced in 2023 in a move to ensure affordable breaking-of-fast meals to the people.
Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Deputy Minister Datuk Dr Fuziah Salleh said the steady expansion of the programme reflects the government’s commitment to easing the cost of living burden during Ramadan, especially for the lower-income group.
“This is the fourth year we are organising Bazaar Ramadan Rahmah. We started with 41 bazaars in 2023, increased to 62 in 2024, and 103 last year.”
“As for this year, there are 116 locations nationwide,” she said after launching the national-level Bazaar Ramadan Rahmah 2026 at bazaar Perling here yesterday.
The Johor event is held together with the Ihsan Foodbank Ramadan programme, which focuses on gathering unsold food and redistributing it to those in need.
Fuziah said that these Ramadan bazaars ensure the availability of Juadah Rahmah – affordable buka puasa meals offered at lower prices – to help ease the financial burden of the rakyat.
At the Perling Mall bazaar, 180 traders are participating, with 38 of them offering Juadah Rahmah at special “Rahmah” prices.
She said the number of traders offering affordable menu is expected to increase as the programme gains momentum.
“The spirit of Rahmah among our traders is strong. Although the profit margin may be small, the blessings are greater.”
Beyond offering affordable meals, Fuziah said the bazaar also incorporates a structured food rescue initiative, previously known as My Safe Food and now rebranded as Ihsan Foodbank Ramadan.
The programme, which began in 2023 in collaboration with NGO Gemar, has since expanded to include strategic partners such as Rakan Penggerak Siswa and technology partner Remill, she added
In Johor, nine Rakan Penggerak Siswa partners are involved in the Bazaar Ramadan Rahmah programme this year.
Fuziah said volunteers would collect unsold food from traders about 15 to 20 minutes before the breaking of fast.
“The donated food will be weighed and labelled with clear instructions for recipients, including the requirement that the food be consumed within two hours to ensure safety,” she said.
She said the weighing process allows the ministry to measure the total amount of food rescued and to estimate the reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from preventing food waste.
“This is not just about feeding people or reducing wastage. It is also about protecting the environment,” she said.
Fuziah noted that last year, more than 69,000kg of food worth over RM833,000 was rescued nationwide.
The initiative helped prevent an estimated 129,020kg of greenhouse gas emissions from being released into the environment, she added.
Fuziah also said this year, real-time data on the amount of food rescued can be viewed through the an application, which also allows volunteers to sign up and locate food rescue activities.
The digital approach aims to encourage greater public participation by raising awareness of the importance of food rescue efforts, she said.
Fuziah said the Menu Rahmah programme, introduced in 2023, is ongoing nationwide with more than 3,000 participants, even without direct incentives.
“However, traders offering Juadah Rahmah at the bazaars are given a Menu Rahmah discount card, enabling them to purchase selected essential items at discounted prices through Rahmah sales.
“For example, if they sell chicken-based dishes, they can buy chicken at discounted prices using the card,” she added.
