BUKIT MERTAJAM: Operators of eateries in Seberang Jaya here took the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry to task for failing to take measures to control the prices of essential goods.

The Jalan Tenggiri food court petty traders association chairman Azmi Razak said minister Datuk Shahrir Abdul Samad ought to explain why the prices of essential goods had increased tremendously over the past two months.

"He seems to be talking a lot, but has not taken any action to control the price increases," said Azmi.

"What we see is the prices of goods increasing, and we are left to suffer."

The traders claimed that the prices of flour, rice, condensed milk, margarine and meat had increased by between 50 and 100 per cent over the past two months.
Azmi said the traders were barely surviving and had to absorb the higher cost in obtaining cooking ingredients.

"We cannot simply raise the prices of food as it will turn customers away."

Roti canai stall operator Mohamad Ibrahim Syed Ibrahim said he used to pay RM32.15 for a 25kg-sack of flour, but the price had increased substantially.

"Now, I have to pay RM62.15 for a sack of flour."

Mohamad Ibrahim called on Shahrir to explain how the prices had increased over-night.

He said the price of imported meat had also increased by 50 per cent, while the price of 18kg of margarine shot up from RM44 to RM70.

The traders highlighted their grouses to Seberang Jaya assemblyman Datuk Arif Shah Omar Shah during his visit to the area.

Arif Shah said he would bring the matter to the attention of the authorities.