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.

They point to the outcome of the Menu Rakyat 1Malaysia initiative, saying no programme of this sort can last long without government assistance.

The government's affordable food programme is still out of reach for many, especially those with large families.

Deputy Minister Fuziah Salleh says no fiscal value has been put on the incentives.

Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Salahuddin Ayub says it is up to the commitment of the participating food operators.

The government's affordable meals initiative will soon be extended to non-halal restaurants where pork and other non-halal ingredients are served.