THE government has approved an additional allocation of RM50 million to expand the Rahmah concept by the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry, said Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

He said the extra funding will help the ministry ensure people throughout the country can benefit from the initiative.

“I want this Rahmah ‘struggle’ to be widened … the ministry has proposed we expand it in state constituencies if possible. I will ensure its speedy implementation in stages, and we have approved an additional RM50 million.

“We are doing this because it directly benefits the lower-income group as it is meaningless to talk about struggle, compassion, mercy and care if their (people’s) food is not guaranteed,” he said.

He said this when closing the National Consumers Day 2023 at Pizzeria Pavilion in Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur, today.

He said Sabah, Sarawak Affairs and Special Functions Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Armizan Mohd Ali, Deputy Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Fuziah Salleh, and officers of the ministries involved will facilitate this agenda.

“I told Salahuddin (the late Salahuddin Ayub) before that when the government implemented the Rahmah initiative and it was accepted by restaurants and shops … I felt we should hold an appreciation ceremony for them,” Anwar said.

Salahuddin, who died last Sunday, was acknowledged for his commitment to fighting for the people’s well-being as domestic trade and cost of living minister.

The ministry has implemented Rahmah via various programmes to the aid of target groups. – Bernama, July 30, 2023.