KUALA LUMPUR: "The price of coconuts has become very expensive, yet our profit margins remain small. However, consumers continue to buy coconut milk because it is a necessity," said Mufarohah Rokip, 49, who sells fresh coconut milk and grated coconut.
She said this in response to the recent increase in the price of fresh coconuts and coconut milk in the market.
According to Mufarohah, she had no choice but to raise the price of her coconut milk due to the rising cost of coconuts, which are now approaching RM3 each at the supplier level.
"Some customers complain, but there's nothing I can do. We're also affected by the price increase. It's unfortunate for the customers, but what can we do? Prices have gone up."
Currently, Mufarohah sells fresh coconut milk at RM16 per kilogramme, and regular coconut milk at RM8 per kilogramme. However, elsewhere, regular coconut milk is sold between RM9 and RM12.50 per kilogramme.
For grated coconut, she has set the price at RM12 per kilogramme but offers it at RM10 to her customers.
Another seller, Yogi, 29, mentioned that the price of coconut milk has been rising over the past two weeks due to increased costs from suppliers.
"Last month, a coconut cost RM2.20, but now it's almost RM3 each. I had to increase the price of regular coconut milk to RM8 per kilogramme and RM16 per kilogramme for fresh coconut milk," he said.
Previously, regular coconut milk was sold for RM7 per kilogramme and fresh coconut milk for RM14 per kilogramme. He also sells 400-gram packs of coconut milk for RM3.
Meanwhile, Ramli Ahmad, 65, who sells potatoes, onions, and chillies, acknowledged that current retail prices are higher than before.
"Prices aren't drastically different, but it's still quite expensive, especially for small businesses and those with limited budgets," said Ramli, who has been in business for 10 years.
"Garlic is sold for RM14 per kilogramme, large onions for RM7, small onions for RM8, and potatoes for RM4 per kilogramme. Even when buying in bulk, there's little profit because some items are damaged," he added.