TAWAU: This town is famous for its “mi tauhu” and “nasi kuning” dishes, but with the launch of the Menu Rahmah initiative, “nasi bambong” has become a go-to meal here.
Nasi bambong, which is sold for around RM3 to RM4, is in line with Menu Rahmah’s objective of offering meals that meets nutritional needs for RM5 or less.
A bambong rice seller in Taman Sabindo, Kasmi Hadi, said a plate of nasi bambong consists of white rice and chicken or fish.
“Customers can also add on side dishes such as vegetables, tofu, tempe and sambal, free of charge.
“Every day I prepare 10 to 20 types of side dishes such as ayam paleko, ayam masak lengkuas, ayam masak merah and ikan baulu rebus,” she told Bernama.
The Menu Rahmah initiative, launched by the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry, is aimed at providing a balanced meal of carbohydrates (rice), protein (chicken or fish) and vegetables. It is priced at RM5 per plate.
Nasi bambong was only sold for about RM1 in the 1990s, but after the Covid-19 pandemic and subsequent rise in the price of goods, it is now about RM3 to RM4.
Kasmi, 52, said the word “bambong” in the local dialect means “jobless”, hence nasi bambong is cheaper so that everyone, jobless or not, can eat a decent meal.
“I have been doing business here for five years and prior to this I was able to earn RM1,000 a day, but the amount has decreased due to price increases,” said the trader.
Despite the increase in costs, Kasmi said she would continue to sell nasi bambong at a low price so that everyone could enjoy it.
