Kota Kinabalu: The increase in the prices of essential and other goods in the country is further burdening Malaysians and worrying, says Kapayan Assemblywoman Jannie Lasimbang.
She said many people in Sabah had voiced anger over their so-called unreasonable price hikes of essential items such as chicken, eggs, cooking oil and vegetables.
“Although Malaysia has transitioned into the endemic phase of Covid-19, many people still do not have a stable income and are trying to adjust themselves.
“This situation is tough for people who are already struggling to make ends meet, and the price hikes of essential goods deal another severe blow to them.
“It is further compounded by the lack of supply of basic essential items,” she said in a statement, Friday.
Jannie said she received many complaints from people about the rising prices, including one from Tenom who claimed the 2kg Vesawit cooking oil costs RM12.70 per bottle now compared to RM5 for two plastic packets of 2kg cooking oil. “Unfortunately, each person is only allowed to buy two packets,” she said.
“Cooking oil is an essential item and operators of businesses such as restaurants and stalls selling food have no choice but to increase the prices of their products.
“The consumers have to bear the increased prices, while the entrepreneurs are also suffering from the lack of buyers for their products.
“A friend in Kota Kinabalu told me that 15kg of chicken wings used to cost around RM110 but RM120 now.
“The prices of all food items have gone up. For example, a tray of eggs used to cost RM11 to RM12 for grade ABC, but now it has gone up to RM14.50 to RM15.50.”
Jannie urged the Government to tighten control on the prices of and constantly monitor the market situation so as not to cause additional burden on the consumers during this economic downturn.
She also urged the Federal and State Governments to help the food industry deal with the impact of rising prices.