Eateries in Johor are observed to have raised their prices recently following the influx of Singaporean visitors to the state coupled with the rising cost of living faced by Malaysians. This is according to a report by Singaporean publication The Straits Times which made checks at restaurants in and around the state’s capital of Johor Bahru and conducted interviews with business owners, associations and patrons.
The report found that several restaurants and coffee shops have raised their prices by at least a few sen to more than RM1 since the reopening of the border with Singapore. Business owners interviewed by the publication asserted that the rising cost of living prompted them to increase food and drinks prices despite doing so might affect customer retention.
Moreover, Tiong Kui Wong, Johor Bahru Coffee, Restaurant and Bar Operators Association chairman asserted that businesses were encouraged not to hike the price of their dishes too much. However, the association could not stop them from increasing their prices as they are burdened by higher cost of raw materials and rental in some cases.
Besides that, Johor Indian Muslim Entrepreneur Association secretary Hussein Ibrahim also revealed that the prices of dishes at mamak shops had also increased slightly. Meanwhile, Johor Consumer Movement Association president Md Salleh Sadijo said that some businesses were using the increase in the cost of living as an excuse to raise the prices of their dishes as they know they will still get customers from Singapore.
Md Salleh commented,
“Some restaurants are profiteering from the situation and hiking the prices of their dishes excessively because they know they will still get customers from Singapore. The steep increase in the price of food will not cause much impact to Singaporeans as they have a stronger currency. It will still be cheap for them.”
“However, for locals, this is a huge burden as they have to now pay twice as much for a simple meal. This is unfair to the locals and the government needs to do something about this. They need to monitor the situation and ensure that the rights of local consumers are also protected,”
So, what do you guys think of the increased prices of food and drinks in Johor? Have you noticed a price hike at your favourite local eateries recently? Share your thoughts and experiences with us in the comments!
Also read: Johor MB: Ringgit’s Decrease In Value Compared To SGD Will Benefit The State
