GEORGE TOWN: The Penang Hindu Association (PHA) has reported a marked increase in the prices of essential items leading up to the Deepavali festivity.
Among the affected items are cardamom, fennel and cumin seeds, rice, milk powder, ghee, curry powder, wheat flour, rice flour, chili powder, cinnamon, tamarind, cooking oil, sago, gingerly oil, prayer oil, bru coffee, whole green gram, black gram, dried chili, mee hoon, pulut rice, condensed milk, as well as onions.
PHA President P. Murugiah said this list was by no means exhaustive, but it illustrated the extent of the price increases that had been identified.
An analysis of the price differences for essential goods between November last year and November of this year, he said, revealed significant increases.
For example, dried chilli prices rose from RM18.00 to RM30.00 per kg, cumin seeds from RM22.00 to RM48.00 per kg, fennel seeds from RM9.60 to RM21.00 per kg, fish and chicken curry powder (250gm) from RM3.70 to RM5.60, wheat flour from RM1.35 to RM3.80 per kg, 5kg rice bags from RM13.00 to RM22.00, condensed milk (425gm) from RM2.20 to RM4.20, Muruku flour (500gm) from RM4.80 to RM6.40, yellow lentils from RM6.80 to RM9.50 per kg, tamarind from RM12.00 to RM15.00 per kg, 1-litre cooking oil from RM3.20 to RM6.35, and two-litre prayer oil from RM11.00 to RM16.50.
"PHA, in responding to the public outcry over the price increase, undertook a survey which shockingly revealed price increase on almost all the essential cooking ingredients," Murugiah said.
"The data of the increase in prices have been analysed and compiled by PHA as a reference for the relevant authorities to act upon.
"As Hindus across the country prepare to celebrate Deepavali in less than two weeks time, the relentless rise in prices of essential goods has dampened the customary enthusiasm and relish of preparing for the occasion.
"This year, the joy of anticipating the arrival of Deepavali, especially among the B40 families, has been overshadowed by the financial strain imposed by soaring prices of essential commodities and ingredients necessary for the preparation of traditional cookies and savouries," he said.
The checks were conducted in several stores at Beach Street, Pulau Tikus, and Gelugor on Wednesday via in-store visit and phone calls.
Murugiah noted that these price increases have placed a financial burden on those preparing for Deepavali, casting a shadow over the festivities.
"This situation has been aggravated by factors, including the removal of government subsidies on some of these goods, supply shortages, and fluctuations in foreign exchange rates," he added.
Murugiah urged the Domestic Trade and Costs of Living Ministry as well as the Prime
Minister's Department to look into the complaints raised by the consumers and to act against the importers, manufacturers, wholesalers and retailers for unwarranted increase in the prices of basic essential items.
"In these trying times, when our economy is being affected by uncertain foreign policies, every family need to evaluate their spending habits and make necessary adaptations so that they will not be trapped in a financial crisis.
"These financial adaptations may be difficult initially, but by being persistent and maintaining them, we can achieve financial freedom and lead a stress-free life," he added.
Meanwhile, Murugiah expressed PHA's concerns about complaints received regarding retailers shortchanging customers by reducing the actual weight of items sold.
"To address this issue, PHA suggests that municipal councils consider installing standardised weighing scales at strategic locations in wet markets, large retail outlets, and council car parks for consumers to double-check the weight of the items they purchase.
"This is to prevent unscrupulous shopkeepers from profiting through weight manipulation of items sold," he added.
With Deepavali just around the corner, Murugiah advised all Hindus to exercise prudence and spend their money wisely.