The Kesum restaurant concept, proposed by Pandan MP Rafizi Ramli, has sparked a lively debate among Malaysiakini subscribers. The idea is simple: provide affordable meals for RM5 or less, but is it feasible?
A noble cause, but can it survive?
Ruslan Bahari praises the social business concept, where profit takes a backseat. However, the harsh reality of running a restaurant sets in. From rent deposits to wages and health compliance, costs can quickly mount up. Ruslan suggests that a single outlet or an open-air food park could be a viable option, but even then, there's the risk of angering fellow food vendors.
Justice for All 2025 believes that Kesum might succeed with Rafizi's direct involvement, aiming for a 20% profit margin. But what happens when Rafizi expands? The challenge lies in finding proprietors who share his social welfare vision. Without them, the Kesum model may falter.
A glimmer of hope or a familiar story?
One commenter, Malaysian, argues that affordable meals have always been available, thanks to charitable initiatives and kind-hearted vendors. But greed, they claim, has driven up food prices, with vendors citing rising raw material costs. They advocate for more initiatives like Kesum to counter money-grabbing sellers.
Fair and Square suggests a government-funded model, citing examples from Amritsar and Sikh temples in India, where large-scale vegetarian meals are served at low costs. With partial subsidies and economies of scale, RM5 meals are achievable. This could be a spiritual obligation under Islamic governance, ensuring no one goes hungry.
Nato regime blames the current government's lack of control for rising prices, contrasting it with the previous government's active regulation. They also question the tax compliance of non-Malay food stalls.
Wisermann reminisces about the short-lived Restaurant Rakyat in the 70s, which offered cheap and good food but closed within a couple of years. They wish Rafizi success and hope for a Subang Jaya outlet.
A noble gesture, but will it last?
Open mind applauds Rafizi's community-oriented approach, free from profit-driven motives. They wish him luck in scaling the business nationwide, hoping it will challenge overpriced restaurants. Hassan draws a contrast between Rafizi and Khairy Jamaluddin, praising Rafizi's hands-on approach to community issues while critiquing Khairy's self-promotion.
But here's where it gets controversial...
Is Rafizi's approach a sustainable solution to the rising cost of living, or is it just a temporary fix? Can government intervention be the answer, or should the market be left to self-regulate? What do you think? Share your thoughts below and let's keep the conversation going!
