TAWAU: Tawau is known for its popular dishes like mi tauhu `and nasi kuning, but with the launch of the government's Menu Rahmah initiative, nasi bambong has been added to the list of go-to meals for the needy.
Priced around RM3 to RM4, nasi bambong was in line with the objectives of Menu Rahmah to offer meals that fulfilled the daily nutritional requirements of people for RM5 or less.
Kasmi Hadi, a nasi bambong seller in Taman Sabindo here said that the meal consisted of white rice and a choice of protein like chicken or fish.
"Customers can also opt for free side dishes like vegetables, tofu, tempe and sambal.
"I prepare 10 to 20 types dishes daily, such as ayam paleko, ayam masak lengkuas, ayam masak merah and ikan baulu rebus," Kasmi told Bernama.
The Menu Rahmah initiative aimed to provide a balanced meal for lunch and dinner that included carbohydrates (rice), protein (chicken or fish) and vegetables at an affordable price of RM5 per plate.
Nasi bambong was sold for about RM1 in the 1990s, but after the Covid-19 pandemic and subsequent rise in the price of goods, the price had increased to between RM3 and RM4.
Kasmi said the word bambong in the local dialect meant "jobless", hence nasi bambong was sold at a cheaper price so that everyone could eat a decent meal, regardless of their employment status.
"I have been doing business here for five years and prior to this, I was able to earn RM1,000 a day, but the amount has somewhat decreased due to the increase in the price of goods," said the 52-year-old trader who operates the stall every day from 6.30am to 6pm.
Despite the increase in costs, Kasmi said she would continue to sell her nasi bambong at a low price so that everyone could enjoy it.
Another stall selling nasi bambong in the area was Gerai Nasi Bambong Kak Kasmah.
A worker at the stall, Muliyani Mappa, 38, said apart from nasi bambong that was sold at just RM3, they also sold a set meal known as "budget rice".
Mappa said the nasi bambong meal offered at the stall comprised white rice and a choice of protein, such as egg, chicken or fish, and it came with a complimentary side dish. --Bernama