Malaysians trying to be thrifty are spending more money on groceries as food prices continue to increase.
KUALA LUMPUR: Market-goers here are spending more money to buy groceries but getting less as food prices continue to rise.
Some say they have resorted to eggs instead of fish as a cheaper alternative source of protein, but lamented that even eggs were “exorbitantly priced” now.
An FMT survey at three markets in the city showed that consumers prefer shopping at wet markets as it provides the best value for money, while thrifty Malaysians are also looking for the best bargains available.
Hospital clerk Rusidan Rusli, 28, who was at Chow Kit market, said he spends RM300 a month on groceries now, up from RM100.
Rusidan Rusli.
“The eggs are the most expensive for me, because we eat that every day. I compare prices for sure, but quality is also important,” he told FMT.
At Pudu, civil servant Sheikh Dawood Mohammad Nik, 51, said he spends RM120 a week, an increase from RM50 a week, on groceries for a family of eight.
“We try to avoid fish by opting for eggs but even now those are expensive. Also one chicken is not enough any more because of the small size, I have to buy two for about RM30.”
Local Grade C chicken eggs are currently retailed at 41 sen each and Grade A eggs at 45 sen each. Chicken is sold at RM9.40 per kg.
Restaurant owner Nurliza Emeera, 27, who was also at Pudu, said she now buys less seafood and vegetables for her family of nine.
K Selvaraja.
“I come to the wet market every week and usually spend RM200 now. I used to spend only RM100 if I was being thrifty,” she said. “If prices keep increasing like this, I’d ask the government to try to reduce them. Cooking oil and eggs are really important.”
The grocery bill for K Selvaraja, 77, now runs at RM300-RM400 a week, almost double what it used to be. “I have certainly reduced the purchase of items like fish and prawns. Currently, I’m just managing to break even on my expenses for a household of five.”