PENANG: A hawker is selling chicken rice at only RM3 a plate for local residents who dine at Hong Kong Tea Garden, Jalan Macalister.

Wang Rong Jin, 50, who is selling chicken and duck rice, sells about 20 chickens a day.

He doesn’t mind making a slim profit by selling a plate of chicken or roast pork rice at RM3 so that he is able to sustain the business for long term.

When he started selling at RM3 a plate last October, many thought it was just a short-term promotion.

“The RM3 chicken rice is not sold for a temporary period. My customers return to support me knowing that I am keeping the price,” he said.

Some customers have asked whether he is able to sustain his business selling only RM3 a plate.

Despite making a very slim profit, Wang said he is able to sustain the business.

He used to sell about seven to eight chickens a day, but now he can sell 20 after slashing the price to RM3.

“I make about RM6 profit selling one chicken. I may be preparing to sell 25 chickens a day if the response is good,” he said.

The chicken rice at RM3 a plate is only for dining-in. The price is RM4 for takeaway.

“If the customer brings his own container for takeaway, the price is maintained at RM3,” he said.

Wang said he had decided to sell a plate of chicken rice for only RM3 as many people encountered financial hardship after the Covid-19 pandemic.

“I may be earning less but I get to help other people.

“The Covid-19 pandemic may be over now, but many are still facing financial stress.

“I am glad if one can have a full meal for only RM3,” he said.

For tourists, he is selling a plate of chicken rice at RM5.

Wang’s stall is open from 9.30 am to 2 pm from Monday to Saturday. The shop is closed on Sunday.