PETALING JAYA: Faced with the increasing price of food, many consumers are working on ways to ease the financial pressure.
Housewife Caryn Chan, 52, said in light of the rising cost of groceries, she would try to purchase certain items in bulk in order to get a better deal.
“Not only does this help me save money, it also reduces the number of times I would have to shop weekly.
“Despite this, I will always look around for the best price possible while ensuring the quality of the food is maintained,” she said.
Chan added that the current price of goods, however, only affected her slightly in her preparations leading up to Chinese New Year.
“Generally, price increases would not affect us much as we do not make exorbitant purchases for the celebrations.
“Apart from the usual groceries, I would purchase snacks closer towards the celebration as there will be more promotions,” she said.
Software developer Sufyan Zahri said as a consumer, he was definitely taken aback by price increases.“In most cases, I would opt for the lowest price possible.
“However, if the increase is inevitable with its reasoning clearly explained, I would accept the price hike,” said the 32-year-old who lives in Petaling Jaya.
He added that despite such increases happening, price control and regulatory practices were crucial for all sectors.
“This is important as part of efforts to minimise profiteering while also safeguarding consumers’ rights,” he said.
Sufyan said that since he primarily shops for groceries online, he would generally take advantage of promotions offering free delivery.
“As certain supermarkets require a minimum purchase for free delivery, I’ll try my best to take advantage of them.
“This allows me to spend less overall while also encouraging me to buy in bulk.
“This is especially applicable for goods that can last me for two weeks,” he said.
A fitness enthusiast who wanted to be known only as Cassandra said she was shocked at the price of cauliflower while she was grocery shopping.
“I have been preparing my meals for the past two years and would buy groceries on a weekly basis.
“I realise that the price of food has been creeping up slowly over time.
“Recently, however, I was looking out for cauliflower and was shocked to see one kilogramme selling for more than RM10,” she said.
She added that since the price increase, she decided to purchase cheaper vegetables such as carrots and bell peppers to keep within her weekly budget.
