Compiled by NAN HIDAYAT NAN AZMIE, C.ARUNO and R. ARAVINTHAN
DESPITE rising ingredient costs, a food stall operator in Pontian, Johor, has kept his roti canai price at just RM1 over the past two decades, Kosmo! reported.
Abd Talib Mahmud, 62, said this was driven by his regular customers, many of whom were from low- and middle-income groups.
He said although the price of flour, cooking oil and eggs had increased since 2006, he could not bring himself to raise the price of the popular breakfast dish.
“Some suggested increasing the price to RM1.20, but I chose to maintain it because many of my customers are fishermen, smallholders, factory workers, retirees and senior citizens,” he said.
Abd Talib said about 300 pieces of roti canai were sold in under three hours on weekdays, with the number reaching up to 400 on weekends.
> Actress Zahirah MacWilson has dismissed claims that she is arrogant, saying it is unfair to judge someone based on brief interactions, Harian Metro reported.
Zahirah, whose full name is Nur Zahirah MacWilson Zainol MacWilson, 31, said any misunderstanding might have been caused by external factors and were never intentional.
“It’s unfair to label someone as arrogant based on a split-second interaction. Arrogant is a heavy word with a big meaning.
“In reality, I’m okay meeting the public. I’ve had many sweet encounters with fans. Most of them say they are inspired by me, but actually, I’m the one inspired by them,” she said.
> An unusual fly infestation in Kampung Sega Lama in Raub, Pahang, over the past week has forced food operators to temporarily shut down due to mounting pressure and losses, Kosmo! reported.
Warung Kampung People owner Noralela Harun, 40, said the situation this time was more severe as it lasted longer and was difficult to control.
“Previously, even with flies, I continued operating because this is our source of income.
“But this time, it is uncontrollable – there are simply too many, even sticking to food despite being covered,” she said.
Noralela said various methods, including using fly traps and sprays proved ineffective.
“Many customers complained about being swarmed by flies. As traders, we feel embarrassed.
“Flies get into food and drinks, so we have to throw them away. This not only slows down work but also causes losses,” she lamented, adding that she was also concerned over potential health risks.
(The above articles are compiled from the vernacular newspapers (Bahasa Malaysia, Chinese and Tamil dailies). As such, stories are grouped according to the respective language/medium. Where a paragraph begins with a >, it denotes a separate news item.)
