“We expect to see a two-fold increase in the figure, including through the participation of fast food chains,” he said.

Salahuddin told reporters this after observing the implementation of the Menu Rahmah initiative at the Dengkil rest and service (R&R) area (southbound) here with works minister Alexander Nanta Linggi today.

Menu Rahmah is a voluntary programme launched by the domestic trade and cost of living ministry to offer meals at RM5 and below.

Salahuddin said there had been no reports that the food offered under the initiative was not nutritious or was of low quality.

“From the beginning, industry players were involved in engagement sessions regarding the menu preparation. They were not forced (to participate) but volunteered to help by providing quality meals,” he said, adding that the number of customers was also increasing.

He said the next step was to meet players in the food manufacturing sector to reduce the burden on food stall operators offering the meals.

Nanta said some 215 stalls in R&R areas along all highways offered Menu Rahmah, with an additional 100 stalls expected to join the initiative next month.

He said the first phase of the initiative was introduced to North-South Expressway (NSE) users on Feb 23 in several R&R areas and lay-bys in the central region.

The second and third phases will be implemented next month involving the southern region of the NSE and the East Coast Expressway 2 (LPT2).