They say the rising costs are making it too difficult for them to continue absorbing the cost of the affordable meals.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim says this will ensure that the people in every state constituency throughout the country can benefit from the concept.

Customers hail the RM5 price tag and the variety of dishes available under the government's affordable food programme.

Salahuddin Ayub says inflation for food outside the home has dropped from 9.6% to 9.3% since the initiative was introduced in January.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim says this will help ensure the sustainability of the initiative.

They say they cannot compete with the cheaper meals offered by known industry players.

From Menu Rahmah to the KL-Singapore HSR project, questions have been raised on letting the private sector take the lead.

The domestic trade and cost of living minister says he has received no reports so far that the food offered through the initiative is of low quality or not nutritious.

Kapar MP Dr Halimah Ali says she only intends to speak on behalf of the people and act as a check and balance for the government.

He says the programme benefits all Malaysians regardless of income and living standard.

The dispute was sparked by a question on the viability of the government's affordable food programme.

Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Salahuddin Ayub says several major international fast food chains will make their decisions next week.