25/04/2026

SATURDAY | APR 25, 2026

6 JB food stall operator serving goodwill

o Standard portion of rice, vegetables and choice of fish or chicken with one drink costs only RM5

JOHOR BAHRU: Despite rising raw material costs, a trader in Johor Bahru is offering meal sets priced as low as RM5 to allow the public access to affordable food. Anor Serat, 57, who previously worked as a cook on board ships in Singapore for 19 years, has been operating his stall, Laman Kampung JB, in Kampung Bendahara here for the past two years. He said the stall operates daily except Fridays from 8am to 5pm, offering RM5 meal sets with more than 40 types of dishes. Each set includes rice, vegetables and a choice of fish or chicken, along with two drink options – tea or iced syrup. “Customers can add rice for free, and dishes are replenished every two hours,” he told Bernama. Originally from Penang and having moved to Johor 20 years ago, Anor said the business holds sentimental value, inspired by his parents’ advice to always give and help others.

As such, he does not focus solely on profit, but aims to ensure people from all walks of life can enjoy affordable meals. “Although raw material costs have increased, God willing, I will continue to maintain the RM5 price. There is still some profit,” he said. While earnings are not as high as other food outlets, he remains grateful as the stall continues to receive strong support. His business has also gained attention on TikTok, drawing customers from outside the area. During the recent Ramadan, he offered six dishes in a tray set priced at RM20, suitable for two to three people. Customers have praised Anor’s efforts, describing him as considerate of the community’s needs amid rising living costs. One of Anor’s regular customers, Mohd Yazid Sapiei, 43, an e-hailing driver, said it is rare to find such affordable meals in Johor Bahru.

Anor (in black) said his aim is to ensure people from all walks of life can enjoy affordable meals. – BERNAMAPIC

“Elsewhere, lunch without drinks can cost RM10 to RM15. Here, it’s very cheap, and you can even get extra rice for free,” he said.

Private sector employee Azizah Mohamad, 36, said she discovered the stall on TikTok. “There are several dishes to

choose from, and the food is always replenished. It’s worth it and suitable for working people like me,” she said.

Home farming to ease living costs KUALA LUMPUR: Using residential spaces for vegetable cultivation is seen as a practical way to help urban communities reduce living costs and cushion the impact of global supply disruptions. Malaysia Raya, Kampung Malaysia Tambahan, Pangsapuri Sri Malaysia, People Housing Programme Sri Malaysia and residents in the Desa Petaling area. “The area was previously

“By growing my own vegetables, I can save about RM10 to RM20 a month on grocery expenses. “Among the suitable crops are bayam Brazil (Brazilian spinach), tomatoes and kangkung , as they are easy to maintain and grow quickly in the local climate.” She said those living in apartments could still take up gardening by using pots, recycled containers or medium sized polybags in small spaces such as balconies. “Limited space is not a barrier. What’s important is ensuring the plants receive sufficient sunlight and starting with crops that are easy to care for.”

provided some relief, they are still insufficient, as transport and packaging costs have also increased. Syed Abd Rahman described home cultivation as a positive step that could help the public save on daily expenses while ensuring their own food supply. “Growing food for personal consumption is encouraged, as it can reduce dependence on the market.” Private sector employee Anis Suraya A. Aziz, 25, also shared her interest in home gardening, influenced by her family’s practice of using fresh produce from their own garden as well as her desire to lead a healthy lifestyle.

kangkung (water spinach), ulam (salad greens), eggplant and banana, which are easy to maintain and yield produce relatively quickly. “Crops such as kangkung and ulam can be harvested within a short period, while bananas take between six months to a year,” he said. Meanwhile, Cameron Highlands Malay Farmers Association chairman Datuk Syed Abd Rahman Syed Abd Rashid said rising input costs such as fertiliser, pesticides and diesel have driven up production costs, while farm prices remain low, affecting the incomes of growers. He said although government subsidies for diesel and petrol have

abandoned and inaccessible, but has now been transformed into a community space, including for urban farming activities,” he said when contacted by Bernama. He said planting activities began to gain traction during the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, when residents took the initiative to grow vegetables as an alternative food source amid movement restrictions. Among the crops cultivated are

The concept of “berbudi kepada tanah” (gratitude to the soil) through community garden initiatives not only enables residents to produce their own food but also reduces reliance on external supplies that are vulnerable to rising logistics and energy costs. Kelab Pencinta Alam dan Rekreasi Kolam Takungan Banjir Sg Midah chairman Mohd Zainuddin Amran said the effort involves five communities, namely Kampung