Over 1,000 food outlets serving affordable MR1M

PETALING JAYA: The number of outlets participating in the Menu Rakyat 1Malaysia (MR1M) has nearly doubled since the introduction of the programme last year.

As of Dec 16, 2011, the number of food outlets serving affordable 1Malaysia meals totaled 1,155 when compared to the 611 outlets since the programme’s launch on July 7, 2011.

Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Deputy Minister Datuk Tan Lian Hoe said the encouraging increase in participation was due to the strategic promotion of the programme which attracts customers, and in turn, generate higher revenue for the participating outlets.

She said the ministry was always seeking ways to increase participation in the programme especially in the outskirt of the cities.

Tan said the ministry would also discuss with the Cabinet and government agencies to adopt the programme, which has already been implemented in the café of her ministry’s premise as well as at the Public Service Department (JPA).

She said universities are expected to implement the programmes in their cafeterias.

She said two cafeterias in University of Malaya are already serving the 1Malaysia menu.

Tan said the ministry monitors the participating outlets on a weekly basis to ensure that they adhere strictly to the guidelines set.

In terms of hygiene, she said the Health Ministry, will be monitoring the cleanliness of each premise of the participating outlets.

The MR1M Programme was introduced under the Government Transformation Programme’s (GTP) Cost of Living National Key Results Area (NKRA) to provide affordable meals as rising food prices have affected the public nationwide.