TAWAU: Tawau is famous for its ‘mi tauhu’ and ‘nasi kuning’ dishes, but with the recent launch of the Menu Rahmah initiative by the government, ‘nasi bambong’ has become the go-to meal for the people here.
Nasi bambong which is sold for around RM3 to RM4, is very much in line with Menu Rahmah’s objective of offering meals that meet daily nutrional needs for RM5 or less.
A bambong rice seller in Taman Sabindo here, Kasmi Hadi said a plate of nasi bambong consists of white rice and a choice of protein such as chicken or fish.
“Customers can also add on side dishes such as vegetables, tofu, tempe and sambal free of charge.
“Every day I prepare 10 to 20 types of side dishes such as ‘ayam paleko’, ‘ayam masak lengkuas’, ‘ayam masak merah’, and ‘ikan baulu rebus’...,” she told Bernama.
The Menu Rahmah initiative, which was launched by the KPDN, is aimed at providing a balanced and complete meal for lunch or dinner that has carbohydrates (rice), protein (chicken or fish) and vegetables and is priced reasonably at RM5 per plate.
Nasi bambong was only sold for about RM1 in the 1990s, but after the Covid-19 pandemic and subsequent rise the price of goods, the price increased to RM3 to RM4.
According to Kasmi, Kasmi said the word “bambong” in the local dialect means “jobless”, hence nasi bambong is sold at a cheaper price so that everyone can 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 6.30 am to 6 pm.
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 is ‘Gerai Nasi Bambong Kak Kasmah’.
A worker at the stall, Muliyani Mappa, 38, said apart from nasi bambong that is sold at just RM3, they also sell ‘budget rice’.
Muliyani Mappa, 38, said the nasi bambong meal offered at the stall comprises white rice and a choice of protein such as egg, chicken or fish that comes with a complimentary side dish.
