Menu Rahmah operators will be given special discounts on the price of ingredients to ensure the sustainability of the initiative, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said today.

Anwar, who is also the finance minister, said the government with the cooperation of selected supermarkets had agreed to offer raw materials such as chicken, onions and basic food items for Menu Rahmah operators at special discounted rates.

"Through this effort, it is hoped that we will be able to provide relief to entrepreneurs and further ensure the continuation of the implementation of Menu Rahmah, which has provided great benefits, especially to the poor," he said at a press conference in Putrajaya.

Anwar said the government appreciated the contribution of Menu Rahmah operators in jointly ensuring the success of its aspirations to reduce the cost of living for the people.

"At the same time, the government is also aware and concerned about the production costs that entrepreneurs have to bear in order to obtain supplies of raw materials," he said.

The government, through the domestic trade and cost of living ministry, launched the Menu Rahmah initiative to help reduce the cost of living for the people, especially the poor.

Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Salahuddin Ayub said the implementation of incentives for Menu Rahmah operators through special discounts at selected supermarkets will start in the middle of next month.

"The ministry is confident that through this special incentive, Menu Rahmah operators can continue to provide such meals to consumers for a longer period of time.

"This incentive is also expected to encourage more restaurant operators to participate in the Menu Rahmah initiative," he said in a statement.

As of April 15, a total of 1,706 Menu Rahmah operators had registered on the Menu Rahmah portal to provide balanced and nutritious food menus at below RM5.