Compiled by BENJAMIN LEE, C. ARUNO and R. ARAVINTHAN
A COFFEE shop in the Klang Valley is becoming a favourite among locals for offering a plate of chicken rice at RM4.50 despite rising costs driven by global economic uncertainties, China Press reported.
Restoran All Family, which has been operating along Jalan Rengas for the last 30 years, only increased prices by RM1.
A plate of roast chicken, roast duck, roast pork or char siu rice costs just RM4.50.
A queue had already formed before the shop opened when reporters from the daily arrived at 10am to check out the eatery.
The owner was seen busily serving customers and was only able to speak to reporters at 2pm.
Although a plate of chicken rice typically costs between RM6 and RM7 in the Klang Valley, owner Wu Duo Bin said he decided to keep prices affordable to allow lower-income individuals a chance to have a proper meal.
“Selling at a lower price doesn’t necessarily mean I make losses.
“While profit per plate is low, the high volume in sales makes up for it. Business is stable as we sell about 500 to 600 plates each day,” he said.
Wu said his overhead costs, including rent and wages for four employees, add up to about RM10,000 a month.
Wu said he also keeps costs manageable by buying ingredients in bulk.
When interviewed, customers praised Wu for his effort.
Diner Gan Mei Feng said she has been a loyal customer for many years and comes for breakfast here every day.
“It’s rare to find meals costing RM4.50 nowadays.
“I was pleasantly surprised that the portions are generous and the taste is excellent. The owner did not cut down on portions despite the price, which is commendable,” another diner said.
The above articles are compiled from the vernacular newspapers (Bahasa Malaysia, Chinese and Tamil dailies). As such, stories are grouped according to the respective language/medium. Where a paragraph begins with a >, it denotes a separate news item.
