adminKUALA LUMPUR: Ahead of the Aidilfitri celebration which is expected tomorrow or the day after, city residents are seen starting to make final preparations to ensure that daily necessities, especially wet food stocks, are available in sufficient quantities to celebrate the Eid.
A Bernama survey at Chow Kit Market today found that city dwellers were flocking to get essential goods, with most traders reporting that they had sufficient stock to meet the high demand ahead of Aidilfitri.
Coconut milk entrepreneur Aspalila Mohamed Razali, who has been in business for over 35 years, said sales had increased throughout this week but he had made careful planning to ensure sufficient supply.
“There is no problem with supply at the moment, everything is sufficient. If demand increases, suppliers will send stock according to orders. We also comply with the price controls set by the government,” he said, who also runs a chicken and meat business.
Observations also found that traders remained compliant with the Festive Season Maximum Price Scheme (SHMMP) which was in effect from March 14 to 28, with mackerel being sold at prices between RM10 and RM14 per kilogram (maximum price RM15), large shallots at RM4 per kilogram, natural coconut milk at RM10 to RM18 (control price RM16) and white grated coconut at RM10 and RM12 compared to the maximum price of RM11.50.
Most traders, however, were found not to display special pink price tags for goods under the control scheme, although the majority displayed regular price tags.
For visitors, Chow Kit Market is a preferred location because various wet and fresh goods can be found in one place, as well as being able to compare prices.
Alice Suriati Mazlan, 54, said the prices of goods at the market were still reasonable with only a slight change compared to the beginning of Ramadan.
“I found that prices are still under control, there is a slight increase but it doesn’t have much of an impact. Supply is also sufficient and there is no panic buying. I see most traders putting up price tags,” he said.
The Director of the Strategic Communications and Media Division of the Malaysian Integrity Institute said he usually buys wet items such as meat, chicken and vegetables at the market, while items such as onions are bought at supermarkets because they are cheaper.
Senior couple Ramli Yusof, 76, and Shopiah Bakri, 68, said the prices of goods were still reasonable with sufficient supplies of meat and other necessities.
They stressed that early preparation and stable stocks in the market are very important, especially for those who rely on monthly pensions.
The Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) has listed 27 types of essential goods under the SHMMP, including basic ingredients such as onions, chillies, meat, fish, vegetables and coconut milk to ensure prices remain stable throughout the festive season.
— BERNAMA
