By Ashley Sim
KUCHING, Apr 10: Ramadan bazaar traders don’t need to sell their food items at ‘Rahmah’ prices, but it is a must to display food prices to prevent unreasonable price hikes, said Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry secretary-general Datuk Azman Mohd Yusof.
Azman told reporters this when met following the Stutong Ramadan Bazaar walkabout in Kuching this afternoon.
“Food price tags must be displayed, regardless of whether they are at a low price or not.
“Even if there is a price range for food, it must still be displayed so consumers can make informed purchasing decisions.
“It is up to traders whether they want to offer ‘Menu Rahmah’, and for those who can, it is best to make it a balanced meal that includes rice, vegetables, meat, and water,” he said.
During Azman’s earlier walkabout at the Stutong Ramadan bazaar, he observed that the traders’ prices are quite variable, with some traders offering ‘Rahmah’ prices, which are less than RM5.
“This is a good sign that there are many options for consumers to choose from when it comes to breaking fast. But most importantly, we want to see food price tags displayed at Ramadan bazaars,” he added.
Azman continued by stating that ‘Menu Rahmah’ does not imply that a single set is sold for RM5, but that perhaps some side dishes of the entire set are sold at a generous price of RM5 or less.
“This is to assist the B40 group; for example, if they are short on funds, they can choose a RM5 dish at the Ramadan bazaar.
“In conjunction with Ramadan, we are focusing on ‘Menu Rahmah’ so that the people can understand the importance of helping the needy and poor,” he mentioned. — DayakDaily
