It’s the new year, and with the prices of raw materials increasing, many food operators have been adjusting menu prices to survive.
In a viral Facebook post, a social media user lamented the increased price for a bowl of pork noodles at the hawker centre. According to the notice, effective 1 January 2026, the price for each bowl of noodles will increase by 50 sen, and the vendor cited “increase in prices of raw materials” as the reason.
Despite the increase, the vendor assured customers that quality will remain.
The social media user proceeded to question a politician about the price increase
Pakatan Harapan’s Chua Wei Kiat, who has been the Selangor State Legislative Assembly representative for Rawang since 2018, was alerted about the post. The social media user tagged Chua in the comment section of his post and questioned him about the increase in prices, which he claims does not align with what the MADANI government had promised – a stronger currency for Ringgit Malaysia, and Malaysians’ burdens will be eased.
“If you think it’s expensive, go someplace cheaper.”
In a Facebook post today (9 January), Chua responded to the matter, saying that he has no power to fully control the market. He shared about what the government controls, namely the prices of basic raw materials, so that essential costs remain regulated and prices don’t spiral out of control.
Chua also said that Malaysia operates under a free-market system, in which the prices are determined not only by costs but also by the consumers’ behaviour.
“For example, when everyone rushes to buy RM15 coffee, the market is telling businesses that RM15 is acceptable.”
“Other sellers then follow that signal to maximise their profits.”
Chua Wei Kiat
In his post, Chua also reminded social media users and other consumers to look for a cheaper alternative if they believe a product is too expensive for them.
“When the consumers’ behaviour tell sellers that prices are too high and business drops, they will naturally reflect and adjust.”
“YBs really can’t fully control the market. We’re not a communist country, and there’s no absolute power to dictate how the market operates.”
What do you think of Chua’s take on this matter, and what do you think of a 50 sen increase for a bowl of pork noodles?
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