KUANTAN, Feb 7 — The Menu Rahmah initiative, which offers balanced, cooked meals for only RM5, will be launched in Pahang next week, said Deputy Minister of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Senator Fuziah Salleh.

She said engagement sessions are being held with the parties involved, including the Malaysian Muslim Restaurant Owners Association (PRESMA) and Malaysian Tomyam Restaurant Owners Association in the state, adding that the ministry welcomes more food operators to take part in the programme.

Fuziah also said the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry (KPDN) is identifying a suitable platform to display the directory of eateries offering Menu Rahmah to facilitate the public.

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Following the encouraging response to the initiative, the ministry welcomes any quarters who plan to implement the Rahmah concept in other goods and services.

“We know many people are struggling to cope, and the cost of living covers not only food but other things as well.

“KPDN is always ready to engage the industry players or relevant parties in addressing the rising cost of living,” she told reporters after visiting Restoran Nasi Ayam Papa in Indera Mahkota today.

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The restaurant was the latest business in Pahang to obtain a franchise licence from KPDN in November last year and now has three branches in Kuantan.

Fuziah also said that as of 2022, a total of 1,166 franchisors from various sectors had been registered with KPDN and in Pahang alone, there are nine franchisors and 27 franchisees.

KPDN aims for the franchise industry to grow between 20 per cent and 30 per cent this year, with various assistance and initiatives provided to interested entrepreneurs, she added.

The franchise industry earned RM30.1 billion in sales value in 2021. — Bernama