SHAH ALAM: The Menu Rahmah concept, which was introduced by the government recently by setting a menu at a price of RM5 or below, is seen to have received a favourable response from the people, including a durian seller who responded by selling the fruit at only RM4.99 per pack.
Durians Atok stall operator, Khairul Fahmy Md Yasin, 45, said that he was of the view that the Menu Rahmah concept should not be limited to just daily food and beverages, and other product operators should also be involved to market their products to be enjoyed by all groups, especially the B40.
"This (Menu Rahmah) is a good initiative because other traders can also lower the price of items other than daily food, which may not be easy to obtain. In addition, traders can help and also give charity to those who cannot afford it," he told Bernama today.
He said that Durian Rahmah, which was introduced at his stall last week, succeeded in attracting buyers as far as Johor, to taste the deliciousness of the king of fruit at his stall, at only RM4.99 for a 300 to 400-gram plastic container.
Khairul Fahmy said that he did not expect the sales concept, applied by him in line with the government's call, to have resulted in his stall receiving a very big crowd of durian fans since last week.
"The first day I introduced RM4.99 a pack, I managed to sell 50 packs in just 10 minutes. I was pleasantly surprised. Previously, I sold for RM8 to RM9 per container.
"So, I keep adding the containers, because the demand is so high that there are people from Skudai, Johor, who came to my stall for the durian. Yesterday, 600 packs of Durian Rahmah were sold, and we may increase the quantity if demand increases," he said.
Khairul Fahmy said that one pack contained mixed durian, including durian kampung and D24, and those who are interested can buy it by visiting his stall physically, as for now, he is not taking any orders.
He said that the sale of Durian Rahmah will start at 2.30 pm, after he receives the supply, with each customer limited to buying only two packs, to ensure that others can taste and have the opportunity to buy the durian which is being sold.
In addition, Khairul Fahmy also sells various types of durian at his stall, located at Jalan Kebun Kampung Batu 7, here. He also sells cendol durian for as low as RM4 per bowl.
The government recently introduced the Menu Rahmah initiative, which offers meals priced at RM5 or below to help the underprivileged.
Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister, Datuk Seri Salahuddin Ayub, said that with the initiative, people can now enjoy lunch and dinner meals at the price of RM5 at nearly 15,000 participating eateries nationwide from Jan 31, under the Menu Rahmah initiative.
In addition, Salahuddin said that his ministry is open to any party which wants to use the Rahmah brand, as long as it aims to help the people. Those who provide the Menu Rahmah by offering prices as low as RM5 must ensure the quality of the food sold. -- BERNAMA