PETALING JAYA: Even as diesel prices continue to push transportation and operating costs up, coconut traders here are choosing to absorb the burden rather than pass it on to customers.
Traders say they are doing their best to maintain prices despite slimmer profit margins, especially with preparations for the upcoming Hari Raya Haji expected to drive costs higher.
For trader Azil Azha, 32, keeping prices stable is about retaining the trust of long-time customers who have supported his business through difficult periods, including the coconut supply shortage two years ago.
“People still need santan and grated coconut every day, whether for cooking at home or running small food businesses.
“If prices go up too much, it will affect many people, especially food traders,” he said when met at Pasar Besar Jalan Othman here yesterday.
Azil currently sells grated coconut at RM4 each or RM13 per kg, while regular coconut milk is priced at RM3 per packet and RM12 per kg.
White grated coconut and white coconut milk cost RM1 more.
Although coconut supply is currently stable, he said rising diesel prices have pushed transportation and delivery costs upwards.
“We no longer struggle to get supply like before, but now the challenge is managing operating costs.
“We try our best not to burden customers because many of them are regulars,” he added.
Azil said he sells around 500 coconuts and more than 200kg of fresh coconut milk daily, with demand surging during weekends.
He noted that many customers are relieved prices have not risen sharply despite the increasing cost pressures faced by traders.
Another trader, Azrul Azha, 31, said maintaining stable prices has become increasingly challenging, especially for small family-run businesses.
Having taken over the business from his family in 2023, Azrul sources coconuts from Bagan Datuk, Perak, and recalls how traders had to import coconuts from Indonesia when there was a severe shortage.
“At that time, customers were worried because supply was uncertain and prices fluctuated.
“Now supply is more stable, but fuel costs are affecting us in a different way,” he said.
Azrul added that demand is expected to rise further ahead of Hari Raya Haji as households and food operators require large amounts of coconut milk.
For trader Zainon Mustafar, 57, customer loyalty has become one of the biggest reasons she continues to hold prices steady despite mounting expenses.
Many of her customers are small traders and catering operators who buy in bulk to prepare their dishes.
“They also need to control their costs, so we try to help where we can,” she said.
To remain competitive, Zainon and her team provide delivery services around Taman Datuk Harun and Taman Medan, ensuring regular customers continue receiving fresh supplies without interruption.
“We appreciate customers who continue supporting us, so we try our best to maintain quality and reasonable prices,” she added.
