MANY have applauded Menu Rahmah, an initiative by the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry offering meals at RM5 and below, since its implementation on January 31. More than 15,000 restaurateurs nationwide have voluntarily joined the initiative and responded to the government’s goal of aiding those in need, especially the B40 communities. Students from tertiary institution are also benefitting from this scheme. 

However, there is a need for a stronger framework for the initiative, to ensure sustainability in achieving long-term goals. 

Firstly, a concrete regulatory and monitoring system needs to be strengthened to ensure the offerings of food and beverage in the menu, in terms of quality, portion, hygiene and type of food. Regular spot-checks and effective communication with traders via collaboration with the local government, including the health and education departments must take place. More local watchdog channels via social media and digital platform can be established to create awareness at community level.

In fact, the menu needs to follow tight Health Ministry regulations. Knowing that the initiative aims to eradicate food poverty and curb rising living cost, the root cause needs to be tackled as well. With increased cost of ingredients, traders are equally struggling to eke out a living. Hence, regulators need to strike a balance by not only ensure that participating traders meet the needs of a balanced diet, but also protect their welfare. 

The synergy between food traders and stakeholders needs to be constantly uplifted to ensure the longevity of this initiative. Apart from looking from the perspective of food security, policy makers can also incorporate the government’s aspiration of achieving a green Malaysia in the ESG framework by encouraging reduction of takeaway plastics. Cultivating the habit of bringing own food containers will not only reduce the cost of raw material for traders but also minimise single-use plastics. Tax deduction could be considered for small and medium enterprises that respond to green initiatives in their business operations.

Knowing that the initiative is highly focused in urban areas, many vulnerable communities at the peripheral could lose out. The concept of partnership between civil society groups and local communities under Lagos Food Bank Initiative in Nigeria can be emulated in the Menu Rahmah initiative to reach out many underprivileged groups. The Lagos model saw 300 communities benefitting via strategic partnerships.

Food poverty does not only weigh heavily on the B40 communities, but also many urban folk. Many traders have resorted to chucking away unsold dishes, leading to food wastage. Moving forward, Menu Rahmah can be a platform for further collaboration between policy makers and traders to tackle the rising cost of living and reducing food waste. – February 23, 2023.

* Iris Ng Pei Yi reads The Malaysian Insight.

* This is the opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insight. Article may be edited for brevity and clarity.