KUALA LUMPUR, March 20 — Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Seri Salahuddin Ayub today said that the government’s plan to expand the ‘Rahmah’ initiative to offer affordable insurance coverage has received positive feedback from providers.

Speaking to reporters, Salahuddin said that the ministry has reached Maybank insurance arm Etiqa Holdings Berhad and had received positive feedback.

“The first to respond was the Etiqa company and I have already asked officials to hold a meeting so we can see how we can make this initiative a success.

“Perhaps we can offer ‘Rahmah’ insurance whether it’s (covering) vehicles, housing, property and such,” he said after attending the Menu Rahmah Feast at Parliament today.

Last month, the national news agency Bernama reported that Salahuddin as saying that the Rahmah initiative may soon include the banking and insurance industry.

Previously, the ministry launched a low-cost ready-made meal dubbed “Menu Rahmah” as a short-term plan to remedy the rising cost of food due to the global inflation crisis.

Around 12,000 premises are currently offering Menu Rahmah, including restaurants affiliated with the Malaysian Indian Restaurant Owners Association, the Malaysian Muslim Restaurant Owners Association, Malaysia Singapore Coffee Shop Proprietors General Association and Mydin supermarket outlets nationwide.

Salahuddin said that a total of 1,531 businesses have registered to implement the Menu Rahmah initiative and the number is expected to continue to increase.