KUALA LUMPUR: The higher prices of food sold at Ramadan Bazaars is minimal and follows the rise in the cost of essential ingredients, the Malaysian Federation of Hawkers and Petty Traders Association said today.

Its president, Datuk Seri Rosli Sulaiman, said the cost of raw ingredients was high, adding that all spices, for example, had recorded an increase of between 50 sen and RM1 a kilogramme.

Rosli said cooking oil and cooking gas had also registered price hikes.

"Since the raw ingredients are expensive, obviously they will also affect the prices of food items.

"Between 50 sen and RM1 hike is just normal," he told the New Straits Times.

Rosli said the public could choose to not buy from stores which they felt imposed excessive prices.

He advised the public to exercise caution when purchasing food to avoid overspending and wastage.

"The Ramadan month is not a food festival, but a period for us to think about those in need, those who don't have food.

"We should buy based on our needs, not our wants.

"Set a budget and don't exceed it to avoid overspending and food wastage," he added.

The Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali yesterday said he believed that the rise in the prices of foods was not necessarily due to the increase in the prices of raw materials since it was determined by the market.

He also didn't deny that a few Ramadan bazaar traders tried to make better profits by selling at unreasonable prices.

"We welcome any complaints and if possible, lodge the complaints through the channels provided before sharing it on social media.

"When it goes viral, the relevant parties can hide the evidence and we have received reports from enforcement officers about this matter," he said.

Earlier Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim also called for an investigation into reports suggesting there was an increase in food prices despite the drop in the prices of rice and poultry.

https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2024/03/1029825/raw-essentials-food-now-pricier-says-federation