SHAH ALAM, May 30 — The Shah Alam City Council (MBSA) is considering increasing the number of vouchers under its Free Meal Programme following an overwhelming response during the initiative’s first session this year.
Its deputy mayor Safriah Md Adzhar said all 300 vouchers, worth RM10 each, were fully distributed during the programme held at Medan Selera Seksyen 28, with the first 100 vouchers snapped up within about 10 minutes of distribution.
“For this programme, the allocation is RM3,000. If the location is suitable and demand is high, we may increase the number from 300 to a higher figure,” she said after launching the programme, The Star reported.
Safriah said the initiative was introduced to help ease the financial burden faced by low income groups while supporting traders operating at MBSA-managed food courts.
The programme targets various groups, including students at public higher education institutions, factory workers and residents, particularly those from lower-income communities.
“We allocated one RM10 voucher per person, limited to 300 people. The voucher can be redeemed at any participating stall of their choice.”
A total of six food and beverage stalls at Medan Selera Seksyen 28 participated in the programme.
Under the initiative, recipients can use the vouchers to purchase meals from participating stalls, with MBSA reimbursing traders according to the number of vouchers redeemed.
Customers whose purchases exceed RM10 only need to pay the remaining balance.
Meanwhile, MBSA deputy secretary (Management) Shahrin Ahmad said the programme marked the council’s first free meal initiative for 2026, adding that similar programmes had previously been organised three times annually.
“We chose Section 28 in the southern area of Shah Alam. Next, we will look at locations in the central and northern areas.”
Shahrin said MBSA typically selects programme locations based on factors such as population density, proximity to industrial zones and the presence of student communities.
He added that Medan Selera Seksyen 28 was chosen due to its strategic location near factories and low-cost housing areas.
