PM announces additional RM50mil for programme to go nationwide
PETALING JAYA: An additional allocation of RM50mil has been approved to expand the Rahmah initiative nationwide, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The extra allocation would enable the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry to ensure that the rakyat throughout the country would benefit from the initiative, he added.
“It will surely cost more, and I will ensure that the implementation of the expansion will be expedited.
“The ministry has proposed that we expand it in the state constituencies if possible. I will ensure its speedy implementation in stages, and we have approved an additional RM50mil,” he said during the National Consumers Day 2023 at Bukit Jalil here yesterday.
Anwar, who is also Finance Minister, said he will ask for additional funds for the programme from the Finance Ministry if needed.
He paid tribute to the late Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Seri Salahuddin Ayub, who launched the Rahmah initiative in January this year.
“I told Salahuddin before that when the government implemented the Rahmah initiative and it was accepted by restaurants and shops, I was touched and felt that we should hold an appreciation ceremony for the participants,” Anwar said.
He said the allocation was in line with the government’s aim to end hardcore poverty in the country.
Putting people first: Anwar (in blue shirt) attending the National Consumers Day 2023 celebration at Bukit Jalil. — Bernama
“The Rahmah initiative is crucial and there’s no point speaking about compassion or mercy if the poor cannot eat a simple meal.
“That is why in the Madani Budget, I said that there are 130,000 hardcore poor families and we must put an end to their poverty.
“There should be no reason why we cannot provide basic needs to the poorest in this country, with its resources, care and compassion from the elites and businessmen, to at least give the basic needs to the poor,” he said.
Anwar earlier claimed that the Rahmah initiative was an effort by the Federal Government to help Malaysians who were struggling with the rising cost of living.
“In addressing current challenges, we took additional steps because for the impoverished, cheap food is still considered expensive,” he added.
“But this is not the solution.”
To address the rising cost of living, Anwar said it is crucial to ensure healthy economic growth by promoting domestic and international investments as well as equipping Malaysians with new skills.
Anwar told reporters later that the Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Sabah, Sarawak Affairs and Special Functions) Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali, will temporarily be the acting Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister.
He added that a replacement minister will be announced soon.
Salahuddin, who died on July 23, had been acknowledged for his commitment to fighting for the people’s well-being as the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister.
Since the Rahmah initiative was launched in January, various restaurants, supermarkets and hotels have participated in the programme.
Earlier this year, the government also allocated RM100mil for the Jualan Rahmah programme to be held in all 222 parliamentary constituencies nationwide.
It was reported that the initiative saw basic goods sold at prices 30% lower than their retail prices.
