Malaysian government has announced a mandate requiring all Ramadan bazaars to offer “Menu Rahmah” during the fasting month. This initiative, spearheaded by the Deputy Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister, Fuziah Salleh, aims to provide financial relief to individuals and families, particularly amidst economic uncertainties.
“Menu Rahmah” offers lunch or dinner sets priced at a recommended RM5, comprising rice, a choice of protein (such as chicken or fish), a serving of vegetables, and a bottle of mineral water.
Despite initial criticisms, the program gained popularity among consumers, including those from middle-income backgrounds.
Fuziah said the aggressive promotion of the initiative, allocating budget for extensive marketing efforts starting this Ramadan.
She said that all Ramadan bazaars nationwide must include “Menu Rahmah” to be classified as “Rahmah Ramadan Bazaars”. While not mandatory for every stall, a certain percentage of traders are required to offer the set meal.
The move comes amidst tax reforms announced by the Ministry of Finance, including an increase in the sales and service tax (SST) from 6% to 8%, effective March 1, 2024. However, essential services such as food and beverages remain unaffected by the hike.
Fuziah clarified that the execution of “Menu Rahmah” was undertaken without a specific budget allocation but fell under the broader ‘Payung Rahmah’ program. The allocated budget primarily focuses on ‘Jualan Rahmah’, offering savings on daily necessities up to 30% cheaper than regular market prices.
“Menu Rahmah” was introduced as a rapid response to tackle inflation rates, particularly in food expenditure. Fuziah highlighted its success as a private-driven initiative supported by the government, providing an affordable option for consumers amidst economic challenges.
