SHAH ALAM – Complaints over food prices said to be higher at festivals compared with regular markets continue to surface, although some believe visual appeal and food popularity are the main factors influencing purchasing decisions.
A Sinar survey found that price differences not only affect lower-income consumers but have also sparked debate over whether such prices are reasonable in terms of the public’s daily needs.
E-hailing driver Arfan Haikal Azman, 21, from Port Klang, said the price difference between food sold at festivals and outside could reach about RM5 per dish.
“Outside, the food costs RM10, but at festivals it can go up to RM15. I think festival prices should be lower and adjusted according to quality and current market prices,” he said.
Arfan said more affordable prices could attract more visitors, which in turn would have a positive impact on traders.
“If it’s cheap, people will buy without hesitation but if drinks and food are expensive, people will think twice,” he said.
Influencer and entrepreneur Izzul Islam Mohd Shuhaimi, 33, said the issue of pricing at food festivals needs to be viewed holistically, as traders bear high operating costs.
He said stall rental costs are sometimes too high, preventing traders from setting lower prices as they need to balance capital and profit.
“Food festivals also involve marketing, promotional and tourist-targeting costs, which are indirectly factored into selling prices.
“For traders, all these costs are part of their expenses but buyers may not see that,” he said.
However, he stressed that excessively high prices, especially for staple foods, are not justifiable from a moral and religious perspective.
“If food that costs RM5 is sold for RM10 at a festival, that’s an increase of more than 100 per cent. If it’s a necessity and the only option available, from an Islamic perspective it is indeed inappropriate as it can oppress others,” he said.
He added that if the item is a want rather than a necessity and alternatives are available, consumers have the right to choose whether to buy it or not.
Meanwhile, festival-goer Ng Zhen Fan, 27, said price is not the main factor influencing purchases at food festivals.
“Whether prices go up or down, people will still buy. I recently went to a food festival and saw many people drawn to food that looked more aesthetic and prestigious.
“‘Viral’ food will always find buyers even if it’s expensive, except among those with financial constraints,” he said.
He believed that the issue is not about competition among traders but about how food is presented and promoted.
“It’s not about who sells it cheapest but how the food is presented and marketed. Besides, stall rentals at festivals are usually higher than at regular shops,” he said.