Consumers feeling the pinch of rising prices

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Sim felt uneasy to spend such a large sum of money for just a few containers of cookies that she can make herself.

Sim felt uneasy to spend such a large sum of money for just a few containers of cookies that she can make herself.

MIRI: When it comes to Chinese New Year celebrations, cured meat products like sausage and cured duck, and cookies have become staples to the Chinese community.

However, the drop in the ringgit’s value has caused the prices of these items to inflate.

A retailer of more than 30 years who only wanted to be identified as Liew told The Borneo Post that sales of these items have dropped by 50 per cent, a huge difference compared to previous years.

“The majority of our cured meat products are imported from Hong Kong while the others are similar products that are made locally. The quality of cured meat products from Hong Kong are of the highest standard with the best taste and flavour. Therefore, despite the price increase, we have insisted on importing the same brand from the same country.

“However, the notable reduction in buying power reflects how Miri folks are becoming more careful this CNY. It is not the same like in previous years, and we, in the retailing line, feel it the most,” Liew said.

Thankfully, he added, there has also been a notable increase in Bruneian and Sabahan customers who purposely come here to buy these products.

“So, we are focusing on selling our products to Bruneians and Sabahans and at the same time, try to offer a good price that is acceptable to the local folks. After all, it is the ambience that people are trying to enjoy,” he said.

Meanwhile, Elvie Ting, a proprietor of a famous chain store, shared the same sentiments about buying trends this coming Chinese New Year.

“The buying power of the local folks has been largely reduced, yet they still need to buy the necessary stuff for the new year. Hence, many of my loyal customers are choosing to buy less of the same stuff they bought in previous years.”

As for staples like cured meat products, Ting said not every Chinese family would buy them.

“Cantonese and Hakka families would buy these items, because it has become their practice to use these ingredients as part of their cooking.

“As for other clans like Foochow or Hokkien etc, they may not necessarily need them. With the increasing prices of these products, they may chose to not buy any altogether,” she said.

As for CNY cookies which have also seen an increase in prices year after year, Ting said that it is more of the cookie’s design and appearance rather than the price that matters.

“For example, the Rooster Year means many are looking for cookie designs with rooster or chick designs. It is the pattern that attracts buyers rather than the taste or the price of the product.

“People have a weak spot for new things and this is a good time for cookie makers to produce specially designed cookies. Some of the products are sold between RM25 and RM35 yet there are buyers for them,” she said.

Ting also added that she chose to bring in food from places like Kuching as they make different types of goodies compared to the locals here.

Pineapple cookies which Yong has made for the coming CNY.

Pineapple cookies which Yong has made for the coming CNY.

Do-it-yourself

The rising prices of CNY cookies mean many have chosen to bake cakes and cookies.

Mother-of-two Sumee Yong told The Borneo Post that she has baked two to three types of cookies to save money.

“I only spend a few dozen ringgit to buy the raw ingredients that will be used to make these cookies. I made the decision after I surveyed supermarkets and online homemade cookie sellers. The price of ‘kuih makmur’ has already risen up to RM30 per small container. I cannot imagine the amount of money I have to spend to buy several types of cookies just for CNY.”

Administrative staff Sim Yen, said she was also overwhelmed with the price increases which have left her struggling to plan her CNY budget.

“I have yet to buy any snacks for CNY even though it is almost 10 days before CNY. I plan to take leave from my work earlier, to make time to bake cookies.

I share the same feeling as many others who complain on how prices have been rising recklessly over the years.

“I also understand that it is not easy to make cookies and cakes because it is a difficult task to stand for hours. It is really a backbreaking job that earns peanuts. But I still feel uneasy to part with my money for just a few containers of cookies that I can make myself,” she said.