Kuih Raya Prices Set To Soar: Vendors Brace For Cost Increases

Get ready for a pricier Ramadan and Hari Raya—festive treats are feeling the pinch!

Get ready for a pricier Ramadan and Hari Raya—festive treats are feeling the pinch!

As Hari Raya Aidilfitri approaches, Malaysians are eagerly preparing for celebrations by stocking up on kuih Raya, a staple for welcoming guests. However, this cherished tradition is set to become more expensive, as vendors warn of a sharp price increase due to escalating costs of raw materials, particularly coconut milk.

A recent survey at Pasar Kubang Pasu in Kelantan found that three to five pieces of kuih Raya are still being sold for RM2. However, this price, which has remained unchanged for the past four years, is expected to rise by as much as 25% after Aidilfitri. This means consumers may soon have to pay RM2.50 for the same quantity.

Coconut Milk Prices Behind the Increase

 

One of the key factors driving up kuih prices is the rising cost of coconut milk, a crucial ingredient in many traditional Malaysian delicacies. Vendor Tarmizi Husin, who has been selling kuih for eight years, explained that coconut milk prices have surged from RM10 to RM16 per kilogram since December. Despite this, kuih vendors have been holding off on price hikes in an effort to keep their products affordable.

"We feel bad about increasing kuih prices, but we have no choice. If we stick to the old prices, we won’t make any profit," he said.

Tarmizi also highlighted the unpredictable nature of kuih sales. "Some days, everything sells out, and on other days, it doesn’t. If it doesn’t sell, we are left with nothing but exhaustion," he added, expressing the challenges faced by small vendors.

Possible Further Price Hikes During Ramadan

Unfortunately, the situation may worsen as coconut milk prices are expected to rise even further during Ramadan. Coconut milk vendor Muhammad Nor Akmal Jaafar stated that due to difficulties in sourcing fresh coconuts, prices could climb to RM20 per kilogram during the fasting month.

He explained that suppliers rely on coconuts imported from Indonesia, which cost between RM3.30 and RM3.40 per piece. However, transportation delays often result in some coconuts arriving rotten, increasing production costs and reducing supply.

"For now, I am selling coconut milk at RM13 per kilogram because I don’t have the heart to charge more. But if coconut prices continue to rise, sellers might have to increase the price to RM20 per kilogram during Ramadan," he warned.

Uncertain Outlook for Kuih Prices

While vendors are bracing for inevitable price adjustments, many remain hopeful that coconut prices will stabilise. If local coconut supplies are sufficient, the cost of coconut milk could remain steady, helping to prevent further hikes in the price of kuih Raya and other traditional treats.

For now, kuih lovers should be prepared to spend more on their festive favourites, as rising costs continue to impact local delicacies. Both vendors and consumers can only hope for a stabilisation of raw material prices to keep cherished traditions accessible to all.

With Ramadan approaching, many of us strive to be more mindful of our spending, especially with the temptation of festive food all around. However, the rising cost of goods has been an ongoing challenge, and this year is unlikely to be any different.

Let’s hope for more stable prices in the future—or perhaps, just maybe, for the government to take stronger measures to ease the burden on consumers.

What are your thoughts on this? Let us know in the comments.

 

*Sources: Visual and Reference Credits to Social Media & various cross-references for context.

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