Malaysia’s small traders and hawkers are bracing for tougher days ahead as rising fuel prices threaten to push food costs even higher, deepening the strain on everyday livelihoods.
The Federation of Hawkers and Small Traders Associations Malaysia has warned that food prices could climb by as much as 50%. Its president, Datuk Seri Rosli Sulaiman, said many vendors are already struggling to cope with earlier increases of between 20% and 30%, driven largely by higher transportation and logistics costs, most of which rely on diesel-powered vehicles.
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For small traders, the impact is immediate and deeply personal. Many have begun cutting back on the quantity of goods they purchase from suppliers, not only because prices are rising but also because customers are buying less. As consumer spending tightens, hawkers find themselves caught in a difficult position, forced to raise prices just to survive while worrying about losing customers.
“When costs go up and profits disappear, traders have no choice but to increase prices, even if margins remain small,” Rosli said, noting that the burden ultimately falls on small businesses and ordinary Malaysians alike.
Among those feeling the pressure is nasi lemak seller Mohammad Syah Bedoh Lahata, 30, who has managed to keep his prices steady for now. He continues to sell basic nasi lemak at RM2, while versions with side dishes are priced between RM7 and RM8, rates he has maintained for the past two years.
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Looming uncertainty
Still, uncertainty looms. Ingredients such as coconut milk, chicken, and beef are vulnerable to price hikes. While costs have yet to spike dramatically, rumours of increases linked to fuel prices are already causing concern.
“I’ve held off raising prices for my customers before, even when costs rose slightly,” he said, according to a report by Harian Metro.
“But if prices surge again, we may have no choice.”
To those in the food and beverage (F&B) industry, what are your thoughts on the possibility of a surge in food prices?
