Heavy load: Large household electrical items such as washing machines could cost more as shipping prices continue to rise due to Israel’s war on Gaza impacting shipping times. — THOMAS YONG/The Star
JOHOR BARU: With prices of larger electrical household appliances expected to go up due to increased shipping costs, an association has called on its members not to adjust prices of these items for now.
Johor Electrical Appliances Dealers Association president Gan Cheng Swee said electrical stores should allow consumers to continue purchasing the items at existing prices despite being notified of the increase.
He explained that larger household electrical appliances are expected to cost more as shipping prices continue to rise due to Israel’s ongoing war on Gaza.“Many well-known brands have notified merchants about price increases although they have not specified any timeframe.“However, some electrical stores already started adjusting their prices in July.“We suggest that they do not increase the prices of existing stocks so that consumers can still enjoy affordable electrical appliances before the new batch comes in,” he said when interviewed.
Gan said that washing machines and refrigerators are the most affected, with prices increasing by 10% to 20%.
He added that the hikes were due to the extra costs incurred on international shipping as a result of the Gaza crisis.
He said suppliers learnt from shipping companies that logistics costs had increased by two to three times.
They also face logistics disruptions and limited cargo space.
Gan also said that many industry players realise that consumers lack purchasing power, so they will not be hiking their prices by too much.
He added that outlets in Johor Baru are still enjoying good business from Singaporeans looking for smaller electrical products such as standing fans and kitchen appliances, which can be easily brought across the Causeway.
“The prices are cheaper here due to the currency exchange rate.
“They (Singaporeans) might be subjected to a goods and services tax at the border by their government but the amount paid will still be cheaper compared with purchasing the items back home,” Gan said.
Asked whether the government has increased the quota for the Sustainability Achieved Via Energy Efficiency (Save) 4.0 programme, which offers rebates for consumers who purchase energy-efficient appliances, he said industry players are still waiting for good news.
He said the programme would allow a one-off rebate of RM200 for air-conditioners and RM200 for refrigerators that meet the criteria on a first-come, first-served basis.
“Save 4.0, launched in December last year, was quite popular among consumers as it allowed them to save some money on these products.
“Since the rebate vouchers were all snapped up by June, we look forward to the government extending the rebates to benefit more consumers,” he said.
