Fuel Price Hike

When the price of petrol to increase from RM1.92 to RM2.70 per litre - an increase of 78 cents, and for sure the prices of many other goods will follow suit.

A bowl of noodles now costs 50 cent more, from $3.50 to$ 4.00. A chicken rice vendor in the Subang Jaya recently increased the price of a plate of chicken rice from RM3.50 to RM4.00. In some other places they have increased even to RM4.50.

The hawkers have the reason to increase the selling prices because of the fuel price hike...And I really hope the government can do something about it.

Everyone affected of the high costs and many malaysians feel that the government should increase the price of petrol gradually so that the poor and middle class people can adapt it.

Governmnet called for all people to change the life style but don't forget one complained that our salary are not even enough to pay the bill.

Food prices in Peninsular Malaysia are cheaper than those in Sabah and Sarawak.

I read this story in StarMetro that even though they may not be as low as many hope they would be, food prices in Peninsular Malaysia are still affordable in comparison to those in Sabah and Sarawak.

The weekly marketing guide posted on the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry’s website showed that prices in Sabah and Sarawak are, by and large, higher.

While all the states in Peninsular Malaysia show a significant increase in food prices, such as those for poultry and vegetables, in Sabah and Sarawak they are at least 10% to 15% costlier. However, the prices of seafood like fish and prawns are much cheaper.

Ikan kembung hitam and hijau (local) cost only RM6 in Kuching and Kota Kinabalu while in Seremban, Kuala Lumpur, Johor Baru and Alor Star they cost between RM7.50 to RM10 per kg.

Prawn (small) costs only RM6 in both Sabah and Sarawak while in Kangar, Malacca, Ipoh and Penang they cost between RM8 to as high as RM16 per kg.

“This is probably due to proximity. Sabah and Sarawak share a border with the province of East Kalimantan of Indonesia in the South,” said a trader in the SS2, PJ, market.

“The traders don’t need to import seafood from the peninsula so they don’t need to increase the price to make huge profits,” he said.

When it comes to dry food, Kota Kinabalu still records the highest prices.

Eggs (A, B and C grade) are about 8% to 10% more expensive and the same goes for the different types of vegetables, onions and garlic.

And while the price of red onions is between RM1.40 and RM2 in Kuantan, Terengganu and Penang, in Sabah they the red are priced at RM4 per kg.

Shallots are sold at RM6 in Sabah and Sarawak while in the peninsula they are sold between only RM2.50 and RM4 per kg.

Sabah has some beautiful places worth visiting and one of them is the Central Market in Kota Kinabalu. The market has two sections – the waterfront area for fish and an area in front of the harbour for fruits and vegetables.

Other things to look out for are orchids and grapes imported from the United States and asparagus that grown on the slopes of Mount Kinabalu.

The prices of the food may be on the high side but you are guaranteed produce that is fresh as it is grown locally.

The market offers almost everything, from a betel nut chew (a local concoction which leaves the mouth bright red), strange jungle fruits, nose-tingling spices and fresh herbs.

Amid the stalls selling souvenirs are small outlets where Malaysian artists display their works. Here, visitors may even have their portrait painted or order custom-made crafts.

In case you ever get bored, just outside the market is a riverside amphitheatre where there’s always a wayang kulit show, as well as more contemporary entertainment for the younger crowds.

Another market that is worth mentioning is the one next to the wet market, in the waterfront area. The market is aptly-named Filipino Market, as most of the stalls are owned by Filipinos who sell a wide range of souvenirs, as well as fashion apparel.

Wet Market-- Poutry Sellers

If you want to buy poultry and you don’t like to slaughter them yourself, or cut them up because you find it troublesome or loathe the bloody chore. I advise you to go to the wet market where the poutry sellers would willingly do a good job out of it.

There are many chicken stalls in the wet market for you to select the type of chicken you want, cockerel or hen, young or old . It is an advantage if you know any of these poutry sellers well as they would be so helpful even to teach you how to make a delicious chicken soup with the recommendation of suitable ingredients or herbs

Wet Market - beef vendor

Beef vendor ready to serve his customers as they take time to decide what they want. If in doubt, just tell him what they are cooking ,soup, stews, stir-fry or curries. The beef vendor would then know which part of the cow is most suitable. He is also willing to cut or chop or even slice the meat according to customers’ requests.

Customers can also request for imported beef as displayed in the package in this stall. The price may vary between the local and imported meat. The freshness of the meat draws customers and business is brisk, even better on festive seasons.

wet market- fishmonger

The fishmonger seem pleased to have such wide selection of fresh fish to offer to her customers. She is showing off two big fishes to catch the customers attention.

As the business is getting tough now, the fishmonger will offer to their regular customers for a special prices too.

Wet Market

This picture taken quite sometime ago shows a vegetable seller getting ready for business as she piles up the goods for sale. The wide variety of fresh vegetables draws buyers who are mainly housewives some of whom come daily for the freshiest and best buy.

There are many stalls, besides vegetables there are also fruit stalls offering a wide selection of fruits. The meat, fish and poultry stalls are segreated in the market. Pork is a non-halal food and therefore the pork stalls are not noticeable unless you look for the signage.

The wet market may not be as clean and comfortable as air-conditioned supermarkets but it still draws the crowd with its morning fresh greens, meats , fish and freshly-slaughtered chickens. The prices here are also reasonable