Latest news with #MenuRahmah
Focus Malaysia
14-07-2025
- Business
- Focus Malaysia
Cheap RM5 meals beats Menu Rahmah with huge portion, taste
NOT every amazing food outlet needs to have a Michelin Star. Some deliver by just being so shockingly cheap yet amazingly delicious. When quality meets quantity, there's Warung Ciko Otai, which sells chicken rice, curry mee, jawa mee and soto at a jaw-dropping RM5. According to a video post on X, the uncle who ran the stall said the price was inspired by the fact that he had trouble putting food on the table sometime in the past. Perhaps Warung Ciko Otai was created not just to fill stomachs, but as a form of charity. Wow semua makanan di sini RM5. moga Tuhan bagi rezeki melimpah buat pakcik 🤲✨ — ًِ (@bckupacc99) July 12, 2025 And at RM5, we are convinced. To sweeten the deal, the portion was big too. There really is nothing to complain about here at Warung Ciko Otai. The uncle has been running the stall since 2011, predating the Menu Rahmah by the Madani government. Maybe the blueprint for Menu Rahmah was inspired by him? More importantly, how does he make a profit at this price range? Feedback from food operators who run the Menu Rahmah initiative could be observed for a better picture. According to the Malay Mail in an article dated 2024, some food operators said they dropped the Menu rahmah initiative after pledged support from the federal government did not materialise. Two restaurateurs said it was no longer feasible to offer meals at RM5 each without financial assistance, saying rising food costs meant they would have to incur a loss with each sale. Salleh Othman, who manages Restoran Kampong Cili Padi, said he is ending his Menu Rahmah offering. He said food prices have increased too much to continue offering the Menu Rahmah that have been loss-making since he made them available last year. Salleh said this was exacerbated by his inability to access discounted ingredients promised to Menu Rahmah operators. Interestingly, the uncle who operates Warung Ciko Otai was able to run his business for nearly 14 years, and likely without support from the government too. Here is a man we could learn from. Away from the number crunching, we should all head over to Warung Ciko Otai at 1/A, Jalan Timun 24/1, Seksyen 24, 40309 Shah Alam for a hearty RM5 lunch. —July 14, 2025 Main image: @bckupacc99 (X)
New Straits Times
11-07-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
USM steps up support for students amid SST-driven cost hike
GEORGE TOWN: Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) has introduced a series of proactive measures to help cushion the impact of the recent Sales and Service Tax (SST) increase, particularly for students from the B40 income group. Among the key initiatives is the expansion of the Menu Rahmah programme to all residential college cafeterias, offering nutritious meals at affordable prices to ease students' financial burdens. USM vice-chancellor Professor Datuk Seri Ir Dr Abdul Rahman Mohamed said the university remained committed to safeguarding student welfare amid rising economic pressures. "This initiative is expected to provide some relief, especially for underprivileged students," he said in a statement today. A special task force — chaired by Professor Dr Azlan Amran, who is currently discharging the duties of deputy vice-chancellor (student development affairs and alumni) — has been established to develop both short- and long-term strategies to support students affected by the cost-of-living crisis. Students in urgent need of assistance are encouraged to contact the university's Welfare and Special Needs (OKU) Unit under the Division of Student Development Affairs (BHEPA). The university's Zawain USM initiative has also been activated to distribute financial aid via special allocations to students requiring support. "Targeted assistance for B40 students will continue and be strengthened to ensure they are not directly impacted by rising living costs," Abdul Rahman added. The Food Bank @ USM initiative — which provides daily essentials and basic food items — has also been expanded to further assist financially vulnerable students. USM is also actively pursuing external collaborations to enhance these efforts. One example is corporate partner Yusuf Taiyoob Sdn Bhd, which has pledged to donate nasi lemak meals daily to ensure students are not left hungry during their studies. Meanwhile, BHEPA, in collaboration with the Student Representative Council (MPP), is conducting a survey to gauge the impact of inflation on students. The survey focuses on key cost areas such as food, printing, e-hailing fares, and other daily essentials — with the findings to inform more targeted, long-term strategies. Cafeteria operators have been reminded not to raise food prices, as they remain bound by pre-SST contractual agreements. USM is also extending its support to off-campus students (Petas), ensuring they benefit from these measures. In the longer term, the university is reviewing the rental rates of on-campus business premises to avoid burdening vendors and triggering further price hikes. "These efforts reflect USM's continued commitment to prioritising student welfare and ensuring no one is left behind as we navigate the current economic climate," Abdul Rahman said.
