LEMANG, a popular rice dish enjoyed during the month of Ramadan and the Hari Raya holidays, has become a hot topic on social media.
Claims have emerged that the price of lemang could soar to RM30 a tube due to a shortage of coconut and coconut milk supplies.
Is it true that lemang is being sold for such a high price in Kuala Pilah?
Verdict:
FALSE
Allegations that lemang prices reached RM30 due to a shortage of coconuts and coconut milk are unfounded in Kuala Pilah, Negeri Sembilan.
A survey conducted by Sinar Harian at various locations across the district revealed that sellers have raised prices by RM1 to RM3, while some still maintain a price of RM15 per tube of lemang.
One vendor, Julia Ujang, 63, mentioned that the rise in coconut milk prices prompted her to increase her selling price by RM1, from RM15 to RM16.
"Coconut milk prices have gone up from RM10 per kg to RM14. Even bamboo has increased from RM1 to as much as RM1.50," she said.
Despite these hikes, she said she couldn't bring herself to raise the price of lemang too high.
Julia assured that obtaining coconut milk from suppliers was no issue, but she had to be prepared for possible price increases.
Another vendor, Zaiful Zulkifli, 28, continued to sell his family's traditional lemang at RM15 per bamboo tube despite facing increased costs for coconut milk and glutinous rice.
He mentioned that he reduced his costs by sourcing bamboo directly from nearby forests instead of third parties.
When asked about the possibility of lemang reaching RM30 if the supply shortage continues through Syawal, Zaiful said such a price hike was unlikely in Kuala Pilah.
"There's no way it will reach RM30 here, maybe RM18 to RM20. But RM30 is more likely in Kuala Lumpur," he said.
Diana Malik Chiew, 33, another lemang vendor, has raised her lemang prices from RM15 to RM18 this year and might increase to RM20 by Syawal if the coconut shortage persists.
She considered any price increase to RM30 excessive and potentially exploitative, hoping the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry would take action against such profiteering.
Diana emphasised that, so far, no vendors in Kuala Pilah have raised lemang prices to RM30, with the highest observed being RM20 for larger portions.
References:
1. https://www.sinarharian.com.
