"Don't Give B40 Low-Quality Food" – PAS MP Claims Menu Rahmah Causes Autism & Cancer
"We can't take shortcuts. We can't compromise the public's health with 'low-quality' food," Dr Halimah Ali said.
Kapar member of parliament (MP) Dr Halimah Ali recently told the Dewan Rakyat that Menu Rahmah has the potential to gravely compromise the health of the B40 group
During the evening session of the 15th parliamentary meeting held on Tuesday, 14 February, the PAS leader said that while she is supportive of the concept of Menu Rahmah and its mission of providing affordable meals to the B40 groups, she is against the use of ingredients that are so cheap, it may affect the health of the Menu Rahmah target group.
"Food is a basic necessity. Therefore, as a doctor of medicine, I don't want low-quality food to threaten the health and safety of the public," she said in her speech.
"As much as I support the Menu Rahmah movement, I don't want the B40 group to be exposed to diseases like cancer, autoimmune diseases, or autism," she added.
She did not provide any scientific explanation for her claims.
Halimah's speech did not sit well with many, especially with Bandar Kuching MP Kelvin Yii Lee Wuen
On Twitter, Yii challenged Halimah by asking her what kinds of foods that are used in a Menu Rahmah meal that could possibly induce the onset of cancer.
Yii's response was in addition to a tweet by a netizen who was also dissatisfied with Halimah's speech.