Rising costs lead Ramadan bazaar vendors in Johor to cut food portions
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Ramadan bazaar traders in Johor Bahru will be reducing their food size portions amid rising operational costs.
PHOTO: BERITA HARIAN FILE
JOHOR BAHRU – Ramadan bazaar traders in Johor Bahru will be reducing the portions of the food they sell as a way to address customers’ complaints about the prices of food amid rising operational costs.
Trader Md Izam Ibrahim said that to sustain his business, he will have to reduce the portion sizes of the food and drinks.
“I will not be increasing prices, but I have to cut down on portion size as that is the only way for me to stay afloat,” he said.
“There is an expectation that food should be sold at a very low price at Ramadan bazaars, but we can no longer do that due to the rising cost of living.”
The 45-year-old will sell drinks and chicken rice at a Ramadan bazaar in Pasir Gudang.
Mr Md Izam, who is also a Ramadan bazaar organiser, added that he will be keeping a close eye on traders to ensure they maintain cleanliness.
“I believe most traders take hygiene seriously since they know they could be fined for failing to maintain proper cleanliness,” he said.
Trader Fatimah Sarudin, 36, who sells fried cempedak, said she will give customers more portion size options so they can choose one that fits their budget.
“On top of increasing ingredient prices, the cost of renting a stall at a Ramadan bazaar has also gone up significantly, which further contributes to higher food prices,” she said.
“We cannot offer the same quantity of food at the same price. Most of my customers understand the struggle, but some complain about the prices.
“All I can do is offer them a smaller portion option.”
Madam Fatimah, who will be running a stall at a Ramadan bazaar in Tampoi suburb, said she also takes cleanliness very seriously as it affects public trust.
“I think hygiene is crucial for all traders because a single mistake can ruin their reputation and erode public trust.
“Even if the complaints come from different bazaars or those from another state, it affects all of us. People will lose confidence in Ramadan bazaar traders as a whole,” she said, adding that she hopes traders monitor cleanliness closely.
She said her cleanliness measures include ensuring all ingredients used are fresh and thoroughly cleaned. THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK
