SHAH ALAM – Various costs borne by organisers and traders at food festivals are among the factors driving higher food prices, which have sparked complaints from visitors.
According to Sazaliana Awaludin, based on her four years of experience organising the Food Mania Festival nationwide, nearly RM100,000 is spent on expenses ranging from site rental to artist performance fees to ensure the event runs smoothly.
She said stall rental fees typically exceed RM2,000, while permits for sales tents cost RM40 per day.
“In addition, organisers have to pay various rental fees to local authorities and district councils. That does not yet include costs for public address systems, workers and artist fees, which can reach almost RM20,000.
“Because of that, organisers cannot set prices too low. We also take into account other costs such as the event location and weather conditions.
“As for traders, they have to bear transportation, labour, accommodation and raw material costs,” she told Sinar.
Sazaliana said the casual-themed festival serves as a platform for small entrepreneurs to expand their brands and increase sales by showcasing their products.
“Through this festival, business opportunities are created, while also providing job opportunities for young people who rely on this industry for their livelihood.
“The reality is that many traders do not have permanent places to operate and this is where they earn a living,” she said.
As such, she said visitors should not place the blame entirely on organisers and if food prices are perceived as expensive, the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry (KPDN) can carry out monitoring.
Sazaliana also expressed concern that if negative narratives continue to circulate, they could hinder the organisation of such festivals, affecting the income sources of organisers, traders and workers.
Meanwhile, food trader Abdul Hadi Abdullah, 30, acknowledged that high stall rental and operating costs are among the main constraints faced by traders, forcing them to set higher prices at food festivals compared to regular markets.
He said operating costs increase, especially when trading outside one’s residential area, as it involves additional expenses such as transportation, accommodation and logistics.
“Stall rental is among the highest costs that need to be borne, with rates reaching up to RM3,500 depending on the duration and type of event.
“For example, travel and transportation costs from Klang to Tanjung Karang alone can reach around RM1,200, while accommodation and labour costs are about RM1,500.
“Because of these constraints, we have to raise selling prices by an estimated five per cent to cover the expenses incurred,” he said.
For grilled lamb trader Mohd Shahrizal Mohd Dahan, 37, weather factors such as heavy rain and sharp increases in raw material prices also affect traders’ operating costs.
“For example, the price of lamb, which was previously around RM17 per kilogram, has increased to RM29 per kilogram starting in 2025, a rise of more than 40 per cent.
“That does not yet include stall rental and other operating costs. That’s why there is a perception that food at festivals is expensive, when in fact traders themselves are under cost pressure,” he said.
Another trader, Azim Azwan Shamsuri, 28, said the issue of food prices at festivals should not be placed entirely on traders or visitors, but instead requires a greater role from organisers and authorities.
“Organisers need to have clear planning, effective marketing strategies and activities that can attract crowds from morning until night.
“Event organisation also needs to be regulated to prevent traders from being exploited, including cases of fraud by irresponsible organisers,” he said.