Prices of beverages have gone up significantly at Sibu coffeeshops.
RETIREE Roy Ting has cut down on eating out because of the surge in prices of food and drinks in Sibu, Sarawak.
“I still dine in at eateries but not often. Sometimes, I order takeaway and eat at home,” he said, adding that prices of beverages were especially more expensive now.
The 62-year-old said he had been conducting his own survey on prices at coffeeshops to decide on which one to patronise.
“I hope the government can do something to prevent further price hikes at eateries,” he added.
Prices of beverages have increased by 20sen while canned drinks are now higher by between 40sen and 60sen.
Sibu Coffeeshop and Restaurant Owners Association chairman Tong Ing Kok agreed that eating out was getting dearer.
“The prices of tea and coffee with milk have increased by at least 20sen. Depending on which shop you go to, it now ranges from RM2 to RM2.50.
“Canned drinks used to cost between RM1.80 and RM2.20, but are now priced between RM2.60 and RM2.80,” he said.
Tong also called on the relevant authorities to prevent another price hike by enforcing the law, including the Competition Act.
“I fear the prices of beverages will go up again due to lack of enforcement,” he said.
He noted that the increase in prices of other goods could have forced coffeeshop operators to revise their prices.
“The authorities should not only monitor eateries but also other businesses,” he added. — By ANDY CHUA
