Soon, the aroma of curry fills the air. At the front of the premises, tables and chairs are wiped spotless. From noon onwards, lunch is served.

This shophouse serves as the heart of Rumah Makan Percuma (RMP), a humble yet impactful initiative started by a couple five years ago to provide free meals to those in need.

The menu changes daily, offering white rice, a variety of chicken dishes, vegetables and ulam, complete with drinks. At times, traditional kuih, contributed by members of the public, is also served.

On average, 600 people eat at the soup kitchen daily – up from 250 people in the early days – except on Saturdays, when it closes to allow its five staff members a day of rest. During Ramadan, the meals are provided in takeaway packs for the breaking of fast.

RMP founder Mazlina Kamarudin said although the meals are provided free, she always reminds her staff to “cook with a sincere heart”.

“Anyone can come to eat here, regardless of race or religion. The only rule is that food cannot be packed to take away; everyone must eat here. We want people to sit together at the same table, chat and feel like it’s a celebration,” said Mazlina, 58.

Among the regulars here is 45-year-old Izan Iskandar, a self-employed electrician. Life has not been easy for this bachelor, who shoulders the responsibility of caring for his two younger siblings with a modest monthly income. For him, RMP is a blessing beyond measure.

Describing the initiative as proof of society’s compassion, he said he often sees people donating rice and other raw ingredients.

“Food is expensive these days. So, when kindhearted people contribute supplies, RMP can continue to operate. It really helps people like me and many others who are struggling,” he said.

He stops by to eat nearly five times a week, not just to fill his stomach but to enjoy the atmosphere.

“The vibe here is always lively. During lunch breaks, factory workers, supermarket staff – everyone comes. We queue for five to 10 minutes, then sit together at the same table. Malays, Chinese, Indians, all sharing a meal. This is the spirit of unity Malaysia truly needs.”

From Ayam Bismi to RMP

For Mazlina and her husband Jafri Ahmad, 61, the initiative is a way of giving back to the community. The couple is the driving force behind Bismi Empire Sdn Bhd (Ayam Bismi), a thriving poultry farming and processing company – the success of which enabled them to embark on RMP.

Around 60% of RMP’s operating costs are covered by Ayam Bismi, with the remainder coming from their own pockets and contributions in kind from the community.

“If Ayam Bismi makes a profit, then RMP can continue to run. We don’t want our wealth to benefit only us, we want others to benefit, too,” Mazlina said.

Mazlina and her husband said they chose to provide free meals as they know what it is like to go hungry.

“We ourselves come from poor families. My father was a padi farmer, while my husband’s father was a bus driver. We understand the hardship of living hand to mouth.

“We’re also aware that hunger makes it difficult for people to fulfil their religious obligations and think clearly.”

Mazlina said they could have handed out cash or groceries instead of providing free meals, but the “real problem is not always money; sometimes it is loneliness, or simply being unable to cook or eat alone”.

The couple also refuses cash donations from the public. At the RMP premises, there is no collection box at the counter and no QR codes.

“If you put a donation box, the rich can give RM100, but the poor would feel embarrassed as they can’t afford to contribute much. We don’t want anyone to feel small,” Mazlina said, adding that they, however, welcome contributions in kind such as rice, sugar, cooking oil and spices.

To ensure the continuity of RMP, her family chooses to live modestly so that more of Ayam Bismi’s profits can be channelled into the free-meal initiative.

“We don’t own any luxury car or expensive assets. We channel our business profits into projects like RMP. That’s how we manage our finances,” she said.

Mazlina, however, expressed concern that the rising cost of raw ingredients could affect their ability to help as many people as possible.

“The dine-in-only concept helps us control visitor numbers and avoid waste. But with costs climbing and the crowd growing, it has become more challenging. We can only provide within our means.”

What truly lingers with the couple are the stories they hear at RMP’s dining tables. There are elderly folks who come daily because they can no longer cook, and families who have lost their homes but who can still enjoy meals served with love.

Mazlina said one of the most touching stories was of a devoted husband caring for his terminally ill wife, who had lost her legs and required dialysis. The free meals became their daily sustenance until his wife passed away last year.

“Each time I go over to the premises, many people raise their hands to pray for me and my husband. Some even mention our names in their prayers. That alone moves me to tears,” Mazlina concluded.

Learn more about RMP and Ayam Bismi here, and follow Rumah Makan Percuma on Facebook and Instagram.

Rumah Makan Percuma
17M, Jalan Kampung Kangkong,
Kampung Tanah Seratus Simpang Empat,
06650 Alor Setar, Kedah

Contact: 011-1085 9060