“Costs go up, no profits” – Food Prices May Surge Up to 50% After Fuel Price Hike, Says Small Traders Association

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.

“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.

“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?