Abdul Rahman getting an affordable meal from the roti canai stall in Kampung Pasir. — THOMAS YONG/The Star
FINDING cheap food in Johor Baru is not an easy feat these days as many eateries have raised their prices upwards due to inflation.
Security guard Abdul Rahman Abang keeps returning to a roti canai stall in Kampung Pasir because of the cheap food.
“My friends are surprised when I tell them I can get a hot drink and two pieces of roti canai kosong with RM3 and still get spare change.
“I have gone to different places for meals and some eateries are selling drinks like coffee and tea for at least RM2 to RM3 so I tip my hat off to the stall owner for sacrificing profits to help out his customers,” he said.
Zuraidah Jasni, 47, is also the lookout for affordable food to feed her family.
The shop assistant and mother of four has been patronising the same roti canai stall for years as she has yet to find another eatery that can compete with it in terms of pricing.
“With prices on the rise these days, it is difficult to feed my family without breaking our budget, every sen counts.
“In the past, our parents could save money by cooking at home but it may not be the case now as ingredients and basics like vegetables, meat and cooking oil are expensive now,” she said.
Housewife Janice Yeo, who was seen ordering chicken rice from a stall in Taman Ungku Tun Aminah, commended the stall operator for keeping prices low.
“It is hard to find a plate of chicken rice for RM3 these days.
“The stall owner gets many customers including non-governmental organisations that order 100 to 200 packets at a time to distribute to the underprivileged,” she said.
Factory worker G. Visha said she often promoted her favourite food stall in Taman Tampoi Indah among her friends.
“I like that the stall offers cheap yet tasty food.
“I visit the stall a few times a week to get a quick meal before or after my work shift,” said the 42-year-old, adding that she usually spends less than RM10 for a drink and a few packets of rice to keep her tummy full.
Malaysia Consumer Justice Association president R. Permal Ramasamy said he had been receiving complaints from the public on the increasingly expensive food served at eateries in and around Johor Baru.
“Some eateries have increased the price of their dishes by RM1, citing the rising cost of raw materials.
“Surely they can compromise a bit so as not to burden the consumers,” he said,.
Permal advised those troubled by the food prices to channel their complaints to the association via 011-5900 3307.
On the other hand, he said he had also received complaints from food operators about difficulties in getting essentials like cooking oil.
He added that he would be highlighting the matter to the authorities.
