Close watch: Salahuddin (centre) checking the prices of chickens during his visit at a supermarket in Kuala Lumpur. — Bernama
KUALA LUMPUR: Some 1,700 registered Menu Rahmah operators can expect some cost savings, says Datuk Seri Salahuddin Ayub.
“We are looking into the details of the food items and the mechanism which will be announced by the Prime Minister under the Good News Package,” the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister told reporters after visiting Lotus Selayang here yesterday.
The good news, he explained, was about talks with several hypermarkets about selling certain food items at cost price.
“We are proposing that these operators enjoy cost price for the main items used in the preparation of their Menu Rahmah, such as rice, chicken, fish and vegetables,” he said.
“The proposal also includes offering other ingredients such as ginger and pepper.”
Salahuddin said that registered Menu Rahmah operators would either be issued with a special card or identification tag to allow them to purchase the items at cost price at these hypermarkets.
He said several hypermarkets had indicated their willingness to assist and an announcement would be made once consensus was reached.
He said the move would provide some leeway to those offering Menu Rahmah for the rakyat to ensure their sustainability.
The Menu Rahmah initiative was launched on Jan 31 this year to offer lunch or dinner sets for as low as RM5 at over 15,000 food outlets nationwide.
Meanwhile, Salahuddin also said that there would be ample food supply to meet demand during the coming Hari Raya Aidifitri.
“As of this morning (yesterday), based on feedback from the Agricultural and Food Security Ministry, including the Veterinary Services Department and the Fisheries Department, there will be sufficient supply, so there is no need for any panic buying,” he said.
He added that his ministry would make necessary announcements if there were any changes to the current status of the food supply.
Earlier, Salahuddin inspected the sales of food items at Lotus Selayang in conjunction with the start of the Hari Raya Maximum Price Ceiling Scheme.
The scheme between April 15 and 30 involves 30 food items, including chicken and eggs sold at controlled prices.
