Domestic trade and cost of living minister Salahuddin Ayub said Putrajaya has received a lot of positive feedback on the initiative through engagement sessions with food and clothing industry operators and believes it would be the same with the corporate and banking sectors.

“If we have (an engagement session) with major corporations like Petronas, Sime Darby and other government-linked companies (GLC), as well as banks, I’m confident even more companies will come forward to assist the government in reducing the cost of living,” he said after officiating the Menu Rahmah programme by the Muslim Restaurant Owners Association Malaysia (Presma) at Stadium Nasi Kandar restaurant here.

The Menu Rahmah initiative, which offers meals at RM5 and below, was launched in January as part of the government’s efforts to reduce the people’s burden, especially those in the B40 segment of society.

He also said his ministry still has a period of four months to conduct engagement sessions with the corporate and banking sectors.

Commenting on those who say that the Menu Rahmah programme was not sustainable in the long run and could only last for three months, Salahuddin said his ministry had not set any timeline or key performance indicators (KPI).

“We do not take it as KPI, what’s important right now is that the government, especially this ministry, takes the best approach to ensure no Malaysian goes hungry.

“As long as industry players are willing to continue with this charitable initiative, that’s how long the Menu Rahmah will be available for the benefit of the people.”