BRR: Quality Meals Under RM5 Helps Public Manage Expenses

By Muhamad Adzhar Tajuddin

IPOH, March 1 (Bernama) -- The Rahmah Ramadan Bazaar (BRR) initiative continues to be a focal point by offering various delicacies for breaking fast at prices below RM5, to help the public control their spending throughout Ramadan without sacrificing food quality.

A Bernama survey at the Taman Cempaka BRR here found that popular menus such as chicken rice, vermicelli soup, noodle soup and laksa are sold for under RM5. Similarly, drinks and traditional cakes are priced between RM2.50 and RM3 per container.

Visitor Zaire Azri Zohar, 33, noted that although most food at the BRR is offered at affordable "Rahmah" prices, the quality is comparable to similar dishes sold at other bazaars.

"Many menus here are high quality and taste the same as those sold at higher prices elsewhere. Sometimes I wonder how they can maintain prices this low," said the Melaka native who added that he typically spends between RM50 to RM60 per visit to buy various dishes for his family.

"With that amount, you could say both hands are full carrying various delicacies. The BRR should be continued because it truly benefits both traders and buyers," he said.

Zarina Md Desa, 55, a cafe worker and mother of one, agreed that the BRR helps her spend prudently as she visits the bazaar every year, usually purchasing chicken rice, fried kuey teow, and vermicelli soup.

"Everything is delicious and reasonably priced. I can save money for other uses during the fasting month," she said.

Trader Khamarul Anuar Ali, 41, ensures that every dish he sells maintains the same taste, quantity, and hygiene standards as other bazaars because he believes a "Rahmah" price is no excuse to neglect food quality.

"There is no point if the price is cheap but the taste is 'ruined.' No customer would want to buy it, which would ultimately result in a loss for us," he said.

Despite rising costs, Khamarul sees the BRR as an opportunity to grow his regular customer base as throughout Ramadan, he offers menus like chicken rice and various soups, selling an estimated 350 to 400 packs daily.

Another vendor, Suhaila Suni, 52, said her second year participating at the Taman Cempaka BRR allows her and her husband, Mohd Azhar Ishak, 50, to earn extra income for Hari Raya Aidilfitri preparations.

Suhaila sells various side dishes under RM5 - including sambal ikan bilis, squid gravy, fish curry, and vegetables served with white rice.

"I admit the profit isn't as large as traders in other Ramadan bazaars. But I am happy and grateful because these Rahmah prices help various groups, including students from Ungku Omar Polytechnic, who make up the majority of residents in this area," said Suhaila, who also works as a catering assistant.

On Feb 24, the Perak Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) announced there are 11 BRR locations involving 465 traders across the state, all offering affordable Rahmah meal options.

-- BERNAMA