In a statement today, PHA president P Murugiah said the association had received many complaints from its members and decided to do a random survey of prices in various retail outlets.
“We found an exorbitant increase in the prices of essential goods and spices this month compared with the prices of the same items last October.
“In a quick survey of seven items, the price of tomatoes has skyrocketed from RM1.60 per kg to RM8.00 per kg, which is an increase of RM6.40. This translates to a 400% increase,” he said.
Murugiah said all seven items in PHA’s survey showed a price increase of more than 50% compared with its price last October.
He claimed white garlic imported from China increased from RM5 per kg to RM14.50, an increase of RM9.50 (190%), while cardamom from India saw an increase from RM92.10 to RM220 per kg, an increase of RM127.90 (139%).
“Black sesame seeds, which are popular during festive seasons, increased from RM10 per kg to RM19.50 per kg, an increase of 95%.
“Coconut milk also saw a similar increase from RM9 per kg to RM15 per kg, which is an increase of RM6 or 66.7%.
“The price of raw coffee is also affected, with a 200g packet of Bru Coffee previously sold at RM13.50, going for RM21.00. That is an increase of RM7.50 or 55.5%,” he said.
Murugiah said with Thaipusam to be celebrated in mid-February, the price of husked coconuts has also seen a steady increase from RM1.60 per fruit last October to RM2.60 (62.5%) as of January.
He claimed that retailers are also claiming a shortage of husked coconuts when asked for bulk purchases.
“This raises the question of the possibility of hoarding before the celebrations,” he said.
Murugiah said some suppliers and wholesalers blamed rising commodity costs and import duties for the increased prices.
“Where a profit gain of 15% to 20% by retailers can be considered to be fair, some choose to gain by 40% to 60%.
“This move has mostly affected the B40 group, who are left with no choice but to go on an austerity drive to cope with the increase in the price of essential goods,” he said.