Noua (right) says the prices of ingredients started going up in March.
EATERY operators in Johor Baru say they have no choice but to increase food prices after factoring in the escalating cost of ingredients.
Restoran Rafi Tomyam & Seafood Corner proprietor Mohd Zahiruddin Thumo said it was difficult not to raise the prices of food.
“Small-time food operators like us are facing challenges to stay in business,” he said at his eatery in Jalan Persisiran Perling 1, Taman Perling, Johor Baru.
Mohd Zahiruddin said the government’s diesel subsidy rationalisation on June 1 had fuelled the hike in prices of essential items.
“Luckily, a majority of my regular customers understand the situation.
“Those who complained were mostly non-regulars.”
He said he had incresaed the prices at his outlet by beween 30sen and 50sen.
Mohd Zahiruddin said his customers were mostly people working at a nearby mall, banks and offices in addition to locals who travel to their workplaces in Singapore by bus from a terminal located a few metres from his eatery.
He said ikan kembung had gone up from RM12 to RM19 per kg, while ikan kerisi was now selling for RM17, up from RM10 and ikan selar hijau had gone up from RM15 per kg to RM17.
“Even a bountiful prawn haul in recent weeks did not result in a drop in prices – small-sized, farmed prawns are going for RM25, up from RM20 per kg.”
Mohd Zahiruddin says small-time food operators like him are struggling to stay in business.
Mohd Zahiruddin said prices of siput sedut had gone up from RM15 to RM18.50 per kg and cuttlefish from RM9 to RM18.
Roti Canai Warung Agil increased roti canai prices in May after ingredients became pricier during the fasting month in March.
Restaurant assistant Noua Ripin said plain roti canai was now selling for RM1.30 from RM1.20, while roti canai telur and roti tampal went from RM2.30 to RM2.50 per piece and roti sardin was now RM5, from RM4 previously.
“Customers have a choice of eating their roti canai with plain curry or dhal at no extra charge but they have to pay more if they add other types of gravy,” she said.
Noua said a single serving of beef curry was RM4, up from RM3.50, mutton curry was now RM8 (previously RM6) and daging tetel was RM4 up from RM3.50.
She said red onions were a major ingredient in curries, adding that a 6kg bag of red onions was now RM18.50, up from RM15.50, while a bag of 5kg potatoes went up from RM10 to RM13.
“The price of coconut milk has gone up too, from RM8 per kg to RM11.”
