JOHOR BAHRU — In response to rising operational costs, Ramadan bazaar vendors in Johor Bahru are reducing food portions to address customer concerns about food prices.
Md Izam Ibrahim, a seasoned trader, explained that in order to keep his business viable, he had no choice but to cut back on portion sizes. “I won’t be increasing prices, but reducing the portion size is the only option I have to stay afloat,” said Md Izam, who sells drinks and chicken rice at a Ramadan bazaar in Pasir Gudang.
He noted that Ramadan bazaars have long been expected to offer affordable food, but due to the increasing cost of living, this is no longer feasible. “The expectation for cheap food is there, but we cannot continue that due to rising costs,” he added.
Md Izam, who also organizes a Ramadan bazaar, emphasized the importance of maintaining cleanliness. “Most traders understand that hygiene is vital because they know they could be fined for not complying with proper cleanliness standards,” he said.
Fatimah Sarudin, a 36-year-old trader selling fried cempedak, shared a similar sentiment. To accommodate varying budgets, she will offer customers smaller portion options. “The rising cost of ingredients and the significant increase in stall rental prices have made it difficult to maintain the same portion sizes at current prices,” Fatimah said. “While some customers understand, others have voiced their concerns about the prices. The only solution is to offer them smaller portions.”
Fatimah, who operates a stall at a Ramadan bazaar in the Tampoi suburb, also stressed the importance of hygiene. “A single lapse in cleanliness can damage a trader’s reputation and public trust,” she stated. “If one stall faces complaints, it impacts the entire industry, as people will lose confidence in Ramadan bazaars.”
She ensured that all ingredients used at her stall are fresh and thoroughly cleaned, underlining the critical role of hygiene in sustaining the public’s trust.
As vendors navigate the challenges of rising operational costs, they remain committed to maintaining both affordability and cleanliness to meet customer expectations.
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