By William Isau
SIBU, June 6: Prices of beverages in coffeeshops here have increased by an average of 20 sen while prices of canned drinks have been upped by between 40 to 60 sen.
Sibu Coffeeshop and Restaurant Owners Association chairman, Tong Ing Kok foresees another price hike this month as imminent as “the situation is out of control.”
He said prices for tea and coffee with milk saw an increase of 20 sen while canned drink prices rose from between RM1.80 to RM2.20 to between RM2.60 to RM2.80.
Fearing that consumers will be the ones feeling the brunt, Tong wants the relevant authorities to enforce the relevant laws including the Competition Act 2010.
“I fear that the price for beverages will go up again this month as it looks like there is no proper control by the authority. I hope that the authority concerned will go out to stop all these by enforcing the Competition Act,” he said.
Explaining, he said price increases for other goods has forced eatery operators to revise their beverage prices.
“The government authority should come out to monitor not only eateries but also other businesses in order that they do not adjust the prices of their goods which they deemed fit especially those not on the control item list,” said Tong.
He also called on the government to provide more subsidies to those in the B40 and M40 groups.
“With government aid, the poor will have more spending power. This will also help businesses,” he added. — DayakDaily
