A chicken rice stall in Klang has attracted widespread attention and praise from the public for selling a plate of chicken rice for only RM4.50.
And this pricing isn’t just limited to chicken rice only as it also applied to roasted duck rice, salted chicken rice, roasted pork rice, and barbequed pork (char siew) rice.
A reporter from China Press paid the All Family stall located along Jalan Rengas in the South Klang commercial area a visit, where a large banner with the words “cheapest chicken rice in the whole Malaysia” was hung above it.
The reporter also observed that a long line had already formed outside the stall when it opened at 10am for business.
600 plates sold per day
Speaking to China Press, stall owner Wu Duobin (transliteration) said he had been in business for 31 years and only increased prices by RM1 just once.
He added that while market prices for roast meat have risen sharply, he still chooses to continue offering affordable meals.
Other vendors may choose to earn more, but I hope to contribute to society by ensuring that those with lower incomes can still afford a proper meal.
“In reality, selling food this cheap doesn’t necessarily mean losing money. Although the profit per plate is small, the high volume makes up for it as I sell around 500 to 600 plates a day,” he said.
When asked about confidently labeling his stall as the “cheapest chicken rice in Malaysia”, Wu pointed out that very few vendors are willing to sell at such low prices today.
“Running a business is, of course, about making money. But as long as I can manage the costs, I will try my best to keep prices affordable.”
Shared secret behind low prices
With most vendors often blaming rising ingredient costs for adjusted prices, Wu said he sticks to one strategy that has kept costs under control: buying in bulk.
“For example, I can secure lower prices from suppliers by purchasing large quantities of rice and sauces. Currently, small chickens cost about RM12 each, while larger ones cost around RM24, and ducks at about RM35 each.
“The more I buy, the cheaper the price will become,” he explained.
Wu shared that the stall’s current monthly rent is around RM2,000 and he is assisted by his wife and four workers who each earn about RM2,000 a month.
When utilities are included, the total monthly expenses exceeds RM10,000. Despite this, business still remains stable thanks to the high-volume, low-margin approach.
Although Wu conceded that selling meals at RM4.50 per plate still comes with cost pressures, he still wants to see customers be able to enjoy an affordable meal during a time of rising costs.
Praise from public
The stall has since not only seen massive crowds, but also tons of praise from customers who commended its affordable prices and generous portions.
Some told China Press that they hope Wu will continue the good work in providing affordable meals for the less privileged, adding that other vendors should follow suit as well.
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