The Menu Rahmah initiative introduced by the government to ease the burden of the B40 community has been generally well-received by many Malaysians and foreigners as restaurants have opted to take part in the initiative.
However, a politician recently found herself under fire for suggesting that the food options under Menu Rahmah may open doors to illnesses, such as cancer and autism.
Following the backlash she received, PAS’s Dr Halimah Ali recently clarified her comments in Parliament by stating that she was misinterpreted by the media.
Speaking to reporters, the Kapar MP said that the message she had wanted to convey was that the poor quality of raw materials used by restaurants for Menu Rahmah could lead to the meal’s quality being compromised.
“We are saying to the government, if you are desperate, do not forsake nutrition. How do you provide good quality food at a low price?”
She also expressed her concern that Menu Rahmah could be exploited by those who can afford to buy meals at regular prices.
“Logically speaking, how are restaurants going to check if a diner is really poor? The government must find a way to keep tabs on this. The bigger issue is you are feeding the hungry, but also please make sure that the food provided is nutritious and not detrimental to one’s health,” she added.
She has also taken to her social media accounts to blast those who have spun her words.
In a Twitter post, Halimah wrote, “When the going gets tough the tough gets going. Spin-doctors seem to spin my well meaning advice to the new government not to compromise quality of food packaged as Menu Rahmah.”
When the going gets tough the tough gets going ‼️ Spindoctors seem to spin my well meaning advice to the new gomen not to compromise quality of food packaged as menu rahmah
— #DRHALIMAHALI (@drhalimahali) February 16, 2023
In another post on Facebook, Halimah proceeded to condemn those who she said had manipulated her words.
“This is evil propaganda. Whose work is this. I’ve never said that. This is not Harakah, read the spelling properly. This is the enemy of Harakah Daily. Stop your nonsense. Let’s have mature politics.”
This was in response to a post by PAS parody Twitter account, Harakat Daily.
What do you think of her clarification on the matter? Let us know in the comments.
Also read: M’sians Slam Politician For Saying Low Quality Menu Rahmah Causes Cancer & Autism
