Rahmah Menu Program at IPTA is expected after Aidilfitri
JOHOR BAHRU: The Rahmah Menu Program at public institutions of higher learning (IPTA) is expected to be implemented after Aidilfitri.
Minister of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) Datuk Seri Salahuddin Ayub said the program in collaboration with the Ministry of Higher Education (KPT) will initially be implemented in 20 IPTAs around the Klang Valley.
He said the program would be coordinated by both ministries and a discussion had also been held with the Minister of Health and Welfare Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin.
“I have discussed this matter and personally contacted Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin and he very much agreed to implement this program together.
“In terms of preparing the place, that is under the jurisdiction of the KPT and the menu is under the KPDN, so with both ministries having agreed to coordinate, I think it can be implemented after all the planning is done, which is after Aidilfitri,” he said at a press conference after launching Rahmah Menu at Samballana Bistro, here today.
He said this when asked to comment on the Rahmah Menu Program at higher education institutions.
Salahuddin said the program is also expected to continue to be expanded to include private higher education institutions (IPTS).
Meanwhile, when asked to comment on the popular drinks chain using the Rahmah Menu name for their products and whether it was seen as manipulation for promotional purposes, Salahuddin said he did not consider it as manipulation but instead explained that all parties are welcome to respond to the government’s initiative.
“At this stage I do not consider it as manipulation, with the water named Menu Rahmah, as long as they compromise on quality and taste, we welcome it,” he said.
Salahuddin at the same time said his party will hold an engagement session with fast food restaurant chain Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) and McDonald’s next week for the implementation of the Rahmah Menu Program.
“We will also deal with the Chinese Food Shop Association who are also interested and ready to participate in this program, so we hope that with the deal done, this program can continue to be expanded,” he said.
Earlier, the Pulai Member of Parliament praised Samballana Bistro for responding to the initiative by providing a set of Chicken Chop and mint mango drinks priced at RM5.
“This will enable low-income groups around Bandar Dato Onn and Johor Bahru to get Rahmah Menu dishes in that area.
“Yesterday I was moved when a mother in Ipoh, Perak, was willing to wade through the rain by riding a motorcycle with her son to find Rahmah Menu dishes.
“It really motivates me to work harder to ensure the Menu Rahmah program is launched in more locations to provide convenience to the needy,” he said.