A “suspended meal” is the concept of paying for a meal in advance so it can be provided for those in need. This concept, already familiar in certain countries like the US, is starting to gain traction in Malaysia. Here’s a list of restaurants and organisations that support the cause. With Christmas right around the corner, it’s a good opportunity to celebrate the holiday of giving and to pay it forward.
Restaurant Maju Sakthi Curry House
In collaboration with Suspended Meal Malaysia, this Indian restaurant in Puchong practices a one-for-one method of suspended meals. So, buy one banana leaf for yourself and one for a hungry person – the food tastes better knowing that you shared it with someone in need.
19, Jalan Kenari 2, Bandar Puchong Jaya, 47100 Puchong.
Meals For All
Meals For All was started by Ramesh Vadiveloo, the restauranteur behind Frontera, the Mexican food joint in Jaya One. They accept public donations via online pledges on their Facebook page for suspended meals at RM7 each. Meals For All distributes the food to various soup kitchens in the Klang Valley.
Frontera Sol of Mexico, 18-G-2, Palm Square, Jaya One, 72A, Jalan Universiti, 46200 Petaling Jaya.
With “suspended” food items including nasi lemak and karipap, this Damansara Perdana restaurant also recently organised a Suspended Chat to raise further awareness of this charitable initiative.
Lot G-13, Perdana The Place, Jalan PJU 8/5G, Damansara Perdana
Chope Food for the Needy
This online charity movement collaborates with restaurants to provide food for the homeless and frequent community centres in the Klang Valley to distribute meals. They are always on the look out for volunteers who can contribute in any way; be it be it monetary donations or man power, all are welcome.
Various locations
A sponsored meal costs RM5 and consists of steamed rice, meat and vegetables. You have the option to sponsor a side dishes such as kuih, cake rolls and biscuits. The team hands out 450 meals every Thursday and welcome volunteers for their meal distribution trips as well as cooking and packing sessions.
Various locations
This restaurant in Kuching, Sarawak has suspended meals for RM10. For every suspended meal sold, the restaurant retains a coupon to keep track of the numbers. The restaurant tops up RM5 for each suspended meal sold. When they have accumulated enough of coupons, the local welfare department is contacted to distribute the meals.
78, Jalan Tabuan, 93350 Kuching
Suspended meals at Behind 50 in George Town, Penang, cost RM6 each. The team then distributes the food to the homeless on the streets. If you’d like to contribute more than just a meal, you can join the meal distribution trips.
Muntri Street, George Town, 10200 Pulau Pinang
Photo: Meals For All
Stephanie Boey
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