The rising cost of raw materials has led to an increase in food sold at Ramadan markets this year, ranging from RM1 to RM2.
Murtabak and Roti John, which are common in Ramadan markets, have been forced to increase their prices due to increased material costs.
According to a report by Daily News after visiting the Ramadan market in Taman Tun Ismail (TTDI), it was found that most of the vendors had increased the prices of food.
Onion prices rise
Suhaimi (54), a vendor selling empanadas, said that due to the increase in onion prices, he had to increase the price of empanadas from RM5 to RM7.
“Now the price of onions has increased to RM7 per kilogram. We usually use Indian onions but these onions are no longer in the market.
“The frittatas use a lot of onions and we’ve had egg shortages before and that’s one of the problems businesses are facing now.”
Regardless, Suhaimi said customers will be notified of the price increase in advance.
“Depending on whether customers accept the price increase, we vendors have no choice (must increase prices), and I feel sorry for all customers.”
Asma (43), a baguette vendor, said she had no choice but to raise prices due to the increase in prices of chili sauce, black pepper sauce, and beef.
“Originally I wanted to raise the price to RM10, but my husband suggested that RM9 would be fine. Last year I sold it for RM8.
“I have to increase the price because the minced meat we use has increased from RM18.50 per kilogram to RM21.50 per kilogram. We need to use 15 kilograms of meat every day.”
She said that the baguettes she sells have not been reduced in size due to rising costs, so they can only increase by RM1.
In any case, some hawkers have not increased their prices due to this. For example, Mohd Rezuan, who sells coconut milk pandan cake (Kuih Tepung Pelita), said he would maintain the price last year.
Consumer Khatiya (34 years old) expressed her understanding of the vendors’ price increase and believed that the price was reasonable.
“The prices of all commodities are rising now. I understand that businesses must increase prices. In my opinion, if you want to buy food outside, you must pay this price. Of course, it depends on how individuals accept this price increase.”
“At the Ramadan bazaar, I paid no more than RM50 for two people.”
