BATU PAHAT: As most Ramadan bazaar traders adjust prices amid rising ingredient costs, one laksa seller at the Rahmah Ramadan bazaar Pesta here continues to sell his laksa at just RM1 per packet.
Mohamad Sufi Yusoff, 53, has maintained the price since he began trading at Ramadan bazaars in 2006, driven by a desire to help low-income groups and share his blessings with the community.
Although the cost of raw ingredients, especially ikan selayang used in the laksa gravy, has increased and affected his profit margin, he said the satisfaction of helping others outweighs financial considerations.
“About 20 years ago, most food was sold at RM1 per packet. Things are different now, but I chose to maintain the price, even though I once considered increasing it,” he told Bernama.
He also offers laksa at RM3 and RM4 per packet. However, the RM1 option remains the top choice, with sales exceeding 500 packets daily throughout Ramadan.
The business is run with the help of his children Siti Nurfatin Naqiyah, 26, who has assisted since she was six, as well as Siti Nurfatin Nazurah, 21, and Muhammad Aqif Naqiyudin, 17.
Mohamad Sufi welcomed the Rahmah Ramadan Bazaar initiative, which encourages traders to offer menu items priced at RM5 and below to ease the burden on consumers.
He said traders can maintain their main dishes at market prices while offering side items at more affordable rates.
“With proper planning, there is no issue in providing Rahmah-priced options. What matters is adjusting costs and portion sizes wisely,” he said.
