During the pandemic, we observed how difficult it was for others. Remember the Rakyat Jaga Rakyat campaign, in which Malaysians pitched in to help one another?

Well, since 2020, this low-cost rice stall in Kota Damansara has been serving RM3.50 rice meals to all customers.

Nurul Shima, the owner came up with the concept for the stall after being charged RM7 for a half plate of rice with a piece of salted fish and a spoonful of vegetables during the MCO and wondered how such meals could be afforded by those who were struggling to make ends meet.

"I thought to myself, why don't I sell my own affordable food so more people have the chance to eat." – Nurul Shima

And that's what she did. 

Her pricing has not altered to this day, and her stall has become fairly successful over the years, with her currently selling 200 rice packets each day and being sold out within the first hour and a half of opening.

Before the budget stall opened in 2012, she had a successful home meal delivery service. It was said that she served roughly 15 different dishes every day and that she and her son, Arfan, prepared around 80 rice packets with four different choices for their customers to pick from.

Ayam Minyak Kicap and Ayam Masak Merah are often the two most popular options, with fish, squid, and prawns being the other options. Even though the former business was far more successful, she just stopped operating her home delivery service last year in order to devote all of her attention to her stall.

When asked if she makes money from the stall, she claimed she does, but she uses it to help at least 50 people buy groceries or baby supplies.

Shima said that it pained her heart to see individuals without enough money to pay for their meals during the MCO period, which is why she would generally hand out some free meals to them so they would have something to eat.

No one has yet attempted to take advantage of the free meal option when they are really able to pay for it.

"I normally give away free rice packets and some money to individuals who genuinely cannot afford them. I even ask them to return to my stand in the future," the 42-year-old mother of three said.

In describing her upbringing, she claimed that she did not have enough money to purchase sanitary pads, revision materials, or even food to eat.

All of that was something she had personally experienced, so she knew how it felt. She felt a great feeling of peace and purpose when she was able to help those who were less fortunate.

Don't forget to drop by her stall to support her cause:

Nasi Budget Shima

Address: In front of the Al-Falah Surau, Section 6, Kota Damansara.

Operating Hours: 5 pm 6.45 pm (Closed on Weekends & Public Holidays)

Price: RM3.50 per packet of rice