Lunch staple: The management of Hameediyah Restaurant said it had to stop serving Menu Rahmah at all of its locations last month due to increasing food costs.
GEORGE TOWN: One of the oldest nasi kandar restaurants in the country has ceased to serve its meals at RM5 under Menu Rahmah after the cost of ingredients becomes “unbearable”. Hameediyah Restaurant director Muhammad Riyaaz Syed Ibrahim said it had to stop serving Menu Rahmah last month.
“We could not implement it any longer. First, the price of chicken went up and then, eggs.
“We still maintained the price (of the dish) but then, the price of rice and sugar also increased. We cannot bear the cost anymore.
“Like most others, we have removed Menu Rahmah at all our branches although we still sell some rice dishes at cheaper prices at our Sungai Ara branch,” he said.
The restaurant used to dish out a plate of rice with gravy, a piece of chicken or beef and vegetables for RM5 under Menu Rahmah.
Muhammad Riyaaz said when Menu Rahmah was introduced at its restaurants in March this year, the initiative was only supposed to last for two months but then it was extended.
“We thought that it could help those who could not afford the regular meals to reduce their monthly expenses. This sort of menu really helps those who are in the B40 group.
“The actual price for the items we sell on Menu Rahmah is RM12,” he said.
The restaurant chain, said Muhammad Riyaaz, used to have people coming in specifically for the Menu Rahmah.
“We are ready to help our fellow Malaysians and support government initiatives but when our costs are high, we cannot do much as we also have to foot overhead expenses,” he added.
Mother of two, Jasliza Ismail, 39, said it was getting difficult to eat out or indulge in fast food as her household monthly income was not fixed.
“I help out at an eatery and my husband is a technician. We don’t earn much and with two children, money is tight.
“Menu Rahmah was helpful because at least then we could eat out, maybe once or twice a month, especially after payday.
“I understand why they removed it as it must be hard for the shops to bear the costs but it did help us enjoy dining out.
“Usually, fast food is a luxury and not something we can have monthly,” said Jasliza, whose children are aged nine and five.
Clerk P. Jayasudha, 45, said the Menu Rahmah offered her an option to eat out once in a while.
“I am single and live off a small income so I am frugal. When they introduced this, I realised the portions were good and affordable for me.
“It gave me the opportunity to try different types of food and indulge while not breaking my bank.
“It is good, especially for families, many of whom I noticed order Menu Rahmah.
“I do hope they come up with something else to help the B40 community.”
