By Siti Rohaizah Zainal
KUALA SELANGOR, March 26 — The Payung Rahmah programme is part of the Unity Government's efforts in community building and fostering love and kindness within the society, says Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari.
The Selangor Menteri Besar said although the programme was mocked in the beginning, many have now accepted and given it a positive response, especially the Menu Rahmah initiative.
“Before this, the Menu Rahmah and Jualan Rahmah initiatives were mocked and received criticism with some saying that it is a populist move and that it does not reach the community. Yet, the Unity Government’s effort is now well accepted.
“Some even said that the effort has placed a burden on the traders, especially the bumiputera community. But the concept is also being introduced to the community by large conglomerate companies and international restaurant chains,” he said at the launch and symbolic hand over of the Bakul Rahmah programme, here yesterday.
Also present were state executive councillor for consumer affairs Mohd Zawawi Ahmad Mughni and Bukit Melawati state assemblyman Juwairiya Zulkifli.
On January 8, the Federal government announced that it will introduce the Payung Rahmah initiative to reduce the cost of living for the lower-income group (B40) and hardcore poor.
Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Seri Salahuddin Ayub said the programme is part of his ministry’s short-term strategy for the first six months to cushion the impact of the expected global economic situation against the B40 group.
