KUALA LUMPUR: Ahead of the Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebration, expected on Friday (March 20) or Saturday (March 21), residents in the capital have begun making final preparations to ensure sufficient daily necessities, particularly fresh food supplies, for the festive season.
A Bernama survey at Chow Kit Market here today found city folk thronging the market to purchase essentials, with most traders indicating that supplies were adequate to meet the heightened demand ahead of Aidilfitri.
Coconut milk trader Aspalila Mohamed Razali, who has been in business for over 35 years, said sales had increased throughout the week, but she had made thorough preparations to ensure sufficient supply.
"Supply is not an issue at the moment, everything is adequate. If demand increases, suppliers will deliver stocks according to orders. We also comply with the price controls set by the government," said Aspalila, who also runs a chicken and meat business.
Observations also found traders complying with the Festive Season Maximum Price Scheme (SHMMP), in force from March 14 to 28, with "ikan kembung" (Indian mackerel) sold between RM10 and RM14 per kg (maximum price RM15), large red onions at RM4 per kg, fresh coconut milk between RM10 and RM18 (controlled price RM16), and grated white coconut at RM10 to RM12 compared to the maximum price of RM11.50.
However, most traders were found not displaying the special pink price tags for items under the price control scheme, although the majority displayed standard price tags.
For shoppers, Chow Kit Market remains a preferred location as a wide range of fresh and wet goods can be obtained in one place, while also allowing price comparisons.
Alice Suriati Mazlan, 54, said prices at the market remained reasonable with only slight changes compared to early Ramadan.
"I find that prices are still under control, there are slight increases, but they do not have much impact. Supplies are also sufficient and there is no panic buying. I see most traders displaying price tags," she said.
The director of Strategic Communication and Bitara Division at the Malaysian Institute of Integrity said she usually purchased fresh items such as meat, chicken and vegetables at the market, while items such as onions were bought at supermarkets, as they were cheaper.
Elderly couple Ramli Yusof, 76, and Shopiah Bakri, 68, said prices remained reasonable with adequate supplies of meat and other necessities.
They stressed that early preparation and stable supplies at markets were crucial, especially for those relying on monthly pensions.
The Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry has listed 27 essential items under the SHMMP, including basic goods such as onions, chillies, meat, fish, vegetables and coconut milk, to ensure prices remain stable throughout the festive season. - Bernama
