TRADERS at Ramadan bazaars across Malaysia are raising food prices, citing steep increases in the cost of raw ingredients as the primary driver.
Price hikes range from 50 sen to RM2 per item, reflecting the strain on small-scale vendors striving to keep profit margins modest while ensuring affordability for their customers.
Many traders acknowledged the impact on low-income families and those supporting large households, but said the increases were unavoidable given market conditions.
A survey by Harian Metro at bazaars in Pandan Indah, Ampang, Selangor, and Taman Tun Dr Ismail revealed that traditional Malaysian bite-sized snacks or desserts (kuih-muih) prices had risen by 20 sen to RM1.60 each, depending on the type and quality of ingredients.
Premium ‘kuih tepung pelita’, for example, now sells for RM1.60 per piece, while packs of three small curry puffs cost RM3, compared with RM2 for three in previous years.
Set meals such as nasi ayam or steamed rice dishes average between RM8 and RM10 per pack.
Mohd Iqbal Hanafi, a 26-year-old roti John seller, explained that he had to raise the price of his chicken and beef rolls to RM10 from RM8 due to higher market costs for cooking oil, eggs, and minced meat.
It was earlier reported that a social media post on X by @MalaysianFoods indicated some traders are charging up to RM60 for a whole rotisserie chicken (ayam golek).
One post highlighted recent prices at various bazaars, with curry puffs at RM10, martabak at RM10 per piece, chicken roti John at RM20, beef roti John at RM25, and drinks in small and large cups priced at RM8 and RM15, respectively.
In Alor Setar, Kedah, rotisserie chicken prices have risen to RM19.90 per bird from RM16.90 last year.
Vendor Siti Mariah Ahmad, 47, said the hike was unavoidable due to rising costs of key ingredients and the need to pay wages for 20 employees. She noted that most customers understood the reasons behind the price increase.
“Other raw materials, such as spices, have also become more expensive, so I cannot sell at the same price as last Ramadan.
“Even with the RM3 increase, our chicken remains affordable and competitive compared with other bazaars. We sold 700 to 1,000 birds daily last year, and demand remains strong this year,” she said.
In Melaka’s Bazar Ramadan Semabok Perdana, similar trends were observed. Kuih-muih that previously sold at RM2 for five pieces now go for RM3 for four.
Trader Suhara Mohd Tapa, 38, attributed the increase to higher prices for essential ingredients such as coconut and fresh or packaged coconut milk.
“The price of coconuts has risen to RM3.80 each from RM3, and fresh coconut milk now costs RM16 per kilogram compared with RM13, while boxed coconut milk is RM14.90 per litre instead of RM10.90. These ingredients are used extensively in making deserts, so when their cost rises, overall production costs inevitably increase,” she said.
As traders balance rising costs with consumer expectations, Ramadan shoppers are experiencing noticeable price adjustments across Malaysia’s festive food markets, highlighting the wider impact of inflation on traditional celebrations. - February 23, 2026
