FOOD prices appear generally stable with slight increases for fish and vegetables three weeks into the movement-control order (MCO), which has restricted travel and the interstate transport of goods, said shoppers.

They told The Malaysian Insight that they have not seen any significant price increase except for seafood, with a marginal increase for vegetables.

A 54-year-old van driver, who would only give his name as Muru, said he noticed a price increase for fish and vegetables that he bought from the SS17 wet market in Petaling Jaya, Selangor.

“Mackerel used to be RM14/kg and red snapper was around the same price, but when I went last week, the price went up to RM20.

“I asked the seller why it was so expensive, and was told that it’s because suppliers have also marked up their prices.

“Vegetables are fine, their prices are up by RM1 to RM2,” he said, adding that chicken and meat prices are normal.

Muru said only a few stalls were selling produce at a higher price.

For video producer Hadi Azmi, the freshness of produce is his main complaint when grocery shopping during the MCO period.

“Since the MCO, we have had difficulty finding items such as onions. Those on sale all seem old, but the price is still the same.

“Likewise, for fish, scad is usually around RM7/kg, but a few days ago, it went up to RM12/kg.

“Quality vegetables are hard to find, and even if I find them, they aren’t very fresh but are sold at the usual price,” said the 32-year old, who shops at the Jalan Othman market in PJ Oldtown.

In Seberang Jaya, Penang, private sector employee Mohd Khidir Mohd Yussof, 36, said he noticed that a few types of fish are more expensive.

“Red snapper costs RM13 or RM14, but on Sunday, it was up to RM17. Maybe stock is limited, so they raised the price.

“However, as far as vegetables and chicken are concerned, the prices remain the same.”

He added that he is spending more under the MCO because his family cook at home daily.

“We do not eat outside, my kids eat at home every day, so our food supplies need to be fully stocked. We hope that the MCO won’t last much longer and that prices remain the same.”

Seberang Prai municipal councillor Mohd Syamsul Shamsuddin, 42, said some fish prices have risen, but not significantly.

“Some fish prices have gone up, but only by RM1 to RM2. But elsewhere, I see fish being sold at regular prices. Maybe this is due to limited supply, and sellers have to raise prices.”

Under the MCO, which ends on April 14, wet markets and hypermarkets are allowed to operate with certain conditions, such as limited hours, social distancing and the use of hand sanitiser by shoppers.

The government has also said agricultural producers, such as fishermen and farmers, can continue work to ensure the country has enough food supply.

However, the early days of the MCO, which began on March 18, were marred by delays in the transport of fresh produce and other food items due to a lack of clarity on the approvals needed.

The order was enforced to curb Covid-19 infections in the country. As of yesterday, there were 3,793 cases with 62 deaths.

Under the second phase of the MCO, from April 1 to 14, the transport of goods is encouraged from 7pm to 7am to ensure the supply chain is not broken.

Despite the complications and adjustments that have to be made, vegetable seller Beni Krishnan, 54, said he is thankful to be able to stay open even though business has declined.

He is selling produce at the same price as before the MCO, finds supplies to be sufficient.

“Of course, the number of customers has dropped, our revenue has also dropped by 20% to 30%. Yet, we are relieved to be able to sell our goods. Some can’t even run their stores,” said the merchant at Pasar Awam Seberang Jaya.

Despite food still being available, beef seller Mohd Rafi Yusuf has noticed changes in consumer habits under the MCO.

Customers no longer want to buy delicacies such as cow’s intestines, tongue and other organs.

“People are saving up. It’s tough for us as we have to buy the whole cow, while customers only buy the meat,” said the 55-year-old.

“We still sell at the same price, which is RM34/kg, but wholesalers have increased the price of local meat from RM12.60 to RM13.20.” – April 7, 2020.