JB traders not raising prices for Ramadan

Mohd Arif says prices of dates remain the same as last year.

TRADERS in Johor Baru are maintaining their prices for the upcoming fasting month although operating costs have increased due to the weaker ringgit.

Nurazlinah Nasiman, who sells nasi briyani at Jalan Layang 16 Ramadan Bazaar in Taman Perling, said even a slight increase in prices might deter customers.

“The most important thing is that I am able to make some profit and that the rent for the site remains at RM500 like last year,” she told StarMetro when met at her stall in Kampung Tuah Jaya, Perling.

Nurazlinah, who has been selling nasi briyani at the Ramadan bazaar for 16 years, said most of her customers were regulars.

Nurazlinah says she only plans to sell chicken briyani during Ramadan.

“I have decided to sell only chicken briyani for RM10 this year, the same price as in 2023, and not beef and mutton briyani.”Last year, she sold beef briyani at RM13 per pack and mutton briyani at RM15.

She said chicken was selling for RM10 per kg now, while beef and mutton (which were mostly imported) were going for RM24 and RM35 per kg respectively.

“I use only basmati as other rice varieties are not suited for the dish,” she added.

Sales staff Mohd Arif Lukman said prices of dates sold at Saudagar Kurma outlet in Angsana Mall Johor Baru remained the same as last year.

“Dried dates are available all year round and not only during the fasting month,” he said, adding that the seller was absorbing the increase in prices for the items, which were imported directly from producers.

Mohd Arif said the dates imported from Iran, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia and Palestine were priced at between RM7.60 and RM55 for 500g.

“We also have black and golden raisins from Iran, Spain and Turkey for between RM18 and RM42 per kg.

“The best-selling dates are Medjoul Palestine, Ajwa Jumbo, Safawi VVIP and Mariami AAA,” he added.

Maharani Boutique sales assistant Mutiah Razman said customers started buying new clothes for Hari Raya Aidilfitri in December last year.

She said buyers had taken advantage of the year-end school holidays, from Nov 18 to Dec 31 for Singapore and Dec 18 to 31 for Malaysia, to shop.

“Half of our customers are Malaysians and the rest are Singaporeans,” said Mutiah.

She said the outlet had not increased the prices of baju kurung, kebaya and jubah (long robes).

“The items retail from RM69 to RM299.”

She said the shop bought in bulk from suppliers and was committed to keeping prices affordable.

Singaporean Siti Norbani Md Suleiman said she had been coming to Johor Baru regularly to shop, not only for Hari Raya Aidilfitri.

“I started my festive shopping in December as the strong Singapore currency works in our favour,” she said.