KUALA LUMPUR: The selfless act of many food and beverage business owners nationwide for taking part in the Payung Rahmah initiative was lauded in the Dewan Rakyat today, when Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim tabled the revised 2023 Budget.
Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Seri Salahuddin Ayub thanked Anwar for mentioning those involved in the initiative that started in January, which offered affordable meals at under RM5.
"The prime minister had recognised petty traders, and small and medium entrepreneurs, from stalls to restaurants and eateries, fast food chains, such as McDonalds, KFC and Burger King, as well as individuals who (voluntarily) joined in to make Payung Rahmah a success.
"I want to extend my gratitude to them because so far, the government has not spent a single sen for this initiative," he said after the tabling of the budget today.
Salahuddin added that these businesses were committed to assisting the people, such as through the Jualan Rahmah programme, which offered essential items at 30 per cent cheaper than market prices.
It includes the distribution of essential items to the people in 822 rural areas in Sabah, Sarawak, Terengganu, Pahang, Kelantan and Kedah, in addition to 25 new areas in Paloh and Passin in Sarawak, Pasir Raja in Terengganu and Kuala Krai in Kelantan.
"This programme will benefit 1.28 million people in rural areas in six states where they can buy seven essential items such as flour, sugar, 1kg packet cooking oil; and Ron95 petrol and diesel at prices set by the government.
"InsyaAllah, with this trust given to us and with the leadership of the ministry's secretary-general, Datuk Azman Mohd Yusof, who will mobilise the ministry, we will ensure the allocations are channelled to the targeted groups," he said.