In an 18-second video which has gone viral, Chukai assemblyman Hanafiah Mat complained about the meal, calling it tasteless before pouring orange juice on his rice.
“It has fish, vegetables, but no gravy. Here is the gravy,” he said while pouring his drink on the meal. “Now, there is some taste.”
Politicians, including MPs and assemblymen from Umno and Pakatan Harapan, were among those who criticised the PAS man for being insensitive to the plight of the poor for whom the Menu Rahmah programme had been targeted.
Muar MP Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman said Hanafiah’s actions were “embarrassing”, pointing out that many people who were poor and struggling in life have benefitted from the initiative by the unity government.
“Not everyone is as well-paid as the executive councillor and can dine at luxurious places,” the Muda president said in a Twitter post.
“Even if you disagree (with the initiative), there is no need to demean the poor by belittling what they eat.”
Umno’s Telok Mas assemblyman Abdul Razak Abdul Rahman also hit out at Hanafiah, saying an elected representative like Hanafiah should set a good example for the people instead of being arrogant.
“The reality is that so many people are struggling and facing a lot of difficulties every day and are thankful for this Menu Rahmah programme. It is not good to mock the scheme or the poor who need it.
“We are all just ordinary human beings no matter what position we hold,” said Abdul Razak, who is also a Melaka executive councillor.
Meanwhile, communications and digital minister Fahmi Fadzil said Hanafiah’s actions were akin to insulting a blessing from God, adding that this was “despicable and immoral”.
FMT has reached out to Hanafiah for comment.
As of Feb 13, a total of 29 eateries and restaurants in Terengganu are offering Menu Rahmah meals. Of the 29 premises, 17 are in Kuala Terengganu, three in Kuala Nerus, two in Marang, Kemaman, Dungun and Besut, and one in Hulu Terengganu.
The Menu Rahmah programme, under which food operators sell food at RM5 or less, was introduced in January.