KUALA LUMPUR: Nasi lemak traders in Penang may have to raise prices to about RM2 per packet early next year if coconut milk prices continue to rise.
Many traders say they are managing despite several price hikes since the start of the month, reported Kosmo.
Norita Ismail, 65, a nasi lemak vendor said that coconut milk has risen from RM10 per kilogramme to RM11–RM12 in the past week.
Coconut milk is essential for nasi lemak, and if prices, which were RM8–RM9 per kilogramme earlier this year, keep rising, they may increase prices by RM2 per packet next year, she said.
"We don't want to raise prices hastily, considering consumers' finances. The price hike might occur after Hari Raya Aidilfitri next year if coconut milk prices keep rising," she said yesterday.
Another nasi lemak trader, Ilyana Mohamad, 39, said she can no longer absorb the losses from the rising costs, and may increase the price to RM1.80 per packet.
"Currently, coconut milk is priced between RM12 and RM15 per kilogramme in public markets," she said.