Consumers in George Town are choosing cheaper protein substitutes like chicken over more expensive seafood at markets. According to fishmonger Chan Kok Seng, customers are cutting back on their expenses, even with small changes in prices. He noted that expensive food items like seafood are being given up by many customers. Whole groupers are priced at RM48 per kg and large Indian mackerel (kembong) have been priced at RM20 per kg for a long time, but premium options or large fish don’t sell as well anymore as customers opt for smaller portions. Customers are either buying seafood less frequently or taking longer to consider if they should spend on it, said Chan Kok Seng from Chowrasta Market. Due to this change in demand, he had to reduce his orders from fish wholesalers.
Mohamad Nasir Abdul Kalam, a chicken seller, mentioned that chicken continues to be in high demand. However, he faces difficulties in keeping his prices low due to the ban on slaughtering poultry at markets, which was implemented by the state government two years ago. He used to slaughter about 300 chickens daily and get his supply directly from farms to maintain low prices. But now, with the ban in place, he has to buy slaughtered chickens from vendors, resulting in increased prices of RM9.40 per bird. This has led to increased competition as more stalls can open, causing him to sell only about 150 chickens daily.
The ban on slaughtering poultry at markets in Penang was implemented to reduce pollution from chicken blood being poured into public drains and to improve hygiene in markets, as stated by the Penang government. Koe Swee Hin, a vegetable seller at the market, mentioned that while regular customers still patronize his stall, people in general are cutting back on non-essential spending due to the rise in costs. Prices for vegetables sourced from Cameron Highlands have also increased by 10% to 20%. Customers are buying less due to reduced income and higher commitments, said Koe Swee Hin.
The Consumers Association of Penang (CAP) education officer, NV Subbarow, stated that with everyone buying less, the association hopes this would also reduce food wastage. In response to the reduced demand, some consumers have resorted to cooking enough food for a few meals and storing it for reheating when needed. To save costs, the association advises consumers to consider cheaper alternatives to meat or vegetables that are still nutritious, or locally raised and grown produce instead of imported ones.
Credit: The Star : News Feed
