ALOR STAR: Traders at the Ramadan bazaar near Stadium Darul Aman here have raised the prices of their food items from last year.
Checks today found hikes in the prices of murtabak, traditional kuih, and drinks as traders claimed.
Traders say they have been forced to raise prices due to soaring costs of ingredients and rental rates for a bazaar lot.
"Prices increase annually, that is to be expected. This year, it is because of the increase in the price of onions and eggs," said murtabak seller Fadzil Harun, 57.
This year, Fadzil has priced his murtabaks at RM8 per piece. Last year, the murtabaks sold for RM7 a piece.
Tongmo trader, Mohamad Abd Aziz, 40, lamented the increased rental rates for a bazaar lot which rose to RM650 compared to RM400 the year before.
He too has raised prices by RM1, with a set of tongmo now priced at RM7.
Traditional kuih trader, Zabedah Di, 60, said she increased the prices of her sweets by between 50 cents to RM1.50, depending on the ingredients used.
She said that most customers understand that prices have to be increased.
Another kuih trader, Sri Dayanti Tamin, 53, said she has decided to maintain the prices of her kuih but made them slightly smaller.
She explained that a pack of kuih like 'tepung talam' is sold for between RM1.50 to RM2.50 each.
Meanwhile, a customer Aisyah Mat Isa, 40, said she continues to buy kuih for iftar despite the increased prices.
"The prices aren't too high, only rising by 50 cents to RM1 each. Cooking at home would be equally expensive due to the high cost of ingredients.
"But, I hope prices don't rise further as it would burden us," she added.