KOTA BARU: Cheap, tasty and appetising – that was among the reactions of satisfied customers on the first day of the Menu Rahmah programme at a supermarket here.

Norizan Arifin, 63, from Pasir Tumboh, said the meal was not only balanced but affordable for low income groups.

“The price is reasonable, and the dishes are fresh and very appetising.

“This programme is very good and even worthwhile for those with a big family,” she told Bernama here.

Customers were seen queueing up for the RM5 meal at the Menu Rahmah counter during lunch at the supermarket.

Fatiehah Jaafar, 34, from Pasir Mas, said the reasonable meal eases the burden of people seeking healthy and balanced food choices.

“For me, the lunch menu – which comes with white rice, side dishes and mineral water – is reasonably priced and filling,” she added.

Mydin Tunjong branch manager Nor Rashid Suratman said Menu Rahmah is changed daily to give customers a variety.

“For example, we’ll have white rice, fried turmeric chicken, fried spinach and a bottle of mineral water on Wednesday.

“Thankfully, the response on the first day here was very encouraging,” he said.

On Tuesday, Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Seri Salahuddin Ayub said people can now enjoy lunch and dinner at RM5 per meal at nearly 15,000 food outlets nationwide through the Menu Rahmah initiative.

The Menu Rahmah programme was made possible with the cooperation of the Malaysian Indian Restaurant Owners’ Association, Malaysian Muslim Restaurant Owners Association, Malaysian Tomyam Operators Association, Malaysian Singapore Coffee Shop Proprietors General Association, Bumiputera Retailers Organisation, Malaysia Retail Chain Association and Malaysia Retailers Association.