Mydin hypermarket managing director Ameer Ali Mydin pointed out that Menu Rahmah was a voluntary initiative and that there was no compulsion on food traders to take part.

He said most raw materials were already subsidised by the government and that prices of basic ingredients were on a downward trend.

“The government has already provided many subsidies, from chicken to eggs. Even our rice is subsidised. If traders feel burdened, they don’t have to sell (Menu Rahmah meals).

“This initiative is not compulsory. Whoever wants to sell can sell, and those who feel they are unable to bear the costs don’t need to sell. This subsidy mentality needs to stop,” Ameer told FMT.

He said Putrajaya also did not have full control over the cost of raw materials since this was more closely related to the global economic situation.

On Saturday, domestic trade and cost of living minister Salahuddin Ayub said a comprehensive study on incentives for traders involved in the Menu Rahmah programme would be conducted after Aidilfitri.

This followed an FMT report that some traders taking part in the programme were unhappy as they perceived it as benefiting the government more, in terms of publicity.

Ameer disagreed, saying traders involved in Menu Rahmah would benefit more than the government as customers would flock to their eateries since there were cheap meals on offer.

He said traders should also try to be creative in introducing Menu Rahmah as not all dishes offered need to be sold at low prices.

“From the 30 menus they sell, they could perhaps opt to set aside two or three menus for Menu Rahmah. It covers only 10% to 15% of the cost of raw materials. They can still make a profit,” he said.

He also said the majority of traders he had met were happy with the programme as they have been able to draw more customers than before.