Ramadan Bazaar: Rising food prices prompt shoppers to spend wisely

KUANTAN – The excitement of this year’s Ramadan bazaar has been slightly impacted by the increase in prices of iftar dishes, which have risen between 50 sen and RM2 compared to last year.

However, this price adjustment has not deterred customers from visiting the bazaar to find their favourite dishes, albeit with a more controlled budget.

A survey by Sinar at the Mahkota Square Ramadan Bazaar here found that traditional Malay desserts now start from RM3.50 and above, grilled chicken thighs are sold between RM8 and RM10, while a whole roasted chicken costs RM29.

Roti John and murtabak were priced between RM6 and RM10.

Despite the price hike, some vendors maintained their food and beverage prices at last year's rates.

A kuih vendor, Suhadila Suhaimi, 39, said that the rising cost of raw ingredients, especially grated coconut and coconut milk, has affected vendors like her.

"The price of coconut milk is really high this year, as well as grated coconut. Last year, one grated coconut cost RM3.50, now it’s RM4.50," she said.

Having been in business since 2006, she explained that the prices of several kuih have increased by 50 sen to RM1, including onde-onde, kuih sagu, and sekaya telur.

"We don’t dare to raise prices too much. So, if prices go up, we adjust portion sizes—either slightly reducing the size or increasing the quantity.

"For example, last year onde-onde was sold at 10 pieces for RM3, but this year it’s RM4 for 12 pieces," she added.

A fried food vendor, Ahmadi Zaidin Shahrul Iman, 22, said that he had to increase the price of his fried rice and noodles by RM1 to cover the rising cost of raw materials.

"We adjust ingredients according to market prices. For example, if eggs are cheaper, we use more eggs and reduce the more expensive ingredients," he said.

A mixed rice vendor, Azizi Rahmat, 55, also admitted that the rising cost of coconut milk had led to price hikes for coconut milk-based dishes such as masak lemak cili padi, chicken curry, beef curry, rendang and opor daging.

"The price of coconut milk has gone up, so we have to adjust the prices of our dishes.

"Most coconut milk-based dishes have increased by around RM1, but we ensure the portion and quality remain worthwhile," he said.

Bazaar visitor Hazid Syakir Zaidi, 27, shared that he spends around RM40 to buy food for his family of five.

"Before, we could buy a lot, but now we have to be more selective. When you total everything, you realise the amount is getting bigger," he said.

A housewife, Nurfarah Mat Ihwan, 31, said she only buys side dishes from the bazaar as she still cooks rice at home.

"I spend around RM25 only. Usually, I buy Roti John, murtabak and some kuih, just to have a taste," said the mother of two.

Meanwhile, a teacher, Teh Fu Sing Adrian, 38, acknowledged that food prices have been steadily increasing over the past few years.

"The price of murtabak has risen from RM4–RM6 last year to RM5–RM8 this year. Even vegetables at the stalls have gone up from RM3 to RM4–RM5 per serving.

"Before, I could go to the bazaar three times a week, but now only once or twice because I have to manage my budget," he said.