KUALA LUMPUR: Consumers believe that the Rahmah initiative can ease the rising cost of living and allow them to direct their funds to other expenses.

Apart from the Menu Rahmah, which provides meals at RM5 in 15,000 restaurants nationwide, the Rahmah initiative will be expanded to four new schemes, targeting university students, the B40 group and hardcore poor.

They are Pakej Rahmah, Kafe Rahmah, Jualan Rahmah and Bakul Rahmah.

These schemes are expected to be launched next month, and the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry hopes they will become a mainstay in helping people cope with rising costs.

Nor Lyiana Izzaty Mohd Takriji, 26, said the Rahmah initiative would help her manage her monthly expenses while allowing her to have a hearty, balanced meal through Menu Rahmah.

Nor Lyiana, a perfume consultant, said she had been careful about treating herself to nicer meals.

She said she was excited about Jualan Rahmah, where participating hypermarkets would sell 1,000 items at discounts of between three and 30 per cent.

She said this would allow her to spend more on other things, such as petrol.

"I spend RM100 for two weeks of groceries.

"Previously, I spent RM100 a month," she said.

Another consumer, who wished to be known only as Pirmi, 29, said the high cost of living had forced him to work part time as a security guard.

Pirmi, who tried the Menu Rahmah yesterday, said he was pleased with the quality of the food, and RM5 was half of what he usually spent on a meal.

"There has been no increase in our salaries but the price of food has increased.

"The Rahmah initiative is worthwhile," he said.

Nor Idayu Surada, 48, said the Rahmah initiative was a shot in the arm for the B40 group.

She said many Malaysians had been affected by the rising cost of living and having cheaper meals would help.

"Prices of basic necessities, including chicken, egg, cooking oil and vegetables, have been fluctuating.

"You can get only a few items for RM50.

"Previously, you could get two or three types of fish, but now you can only get one type as the price can be as high as RM20 per kg," she said.

https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2023/02/876576/cheaper-food-means-money-other-things