‘Less sugar, lower price’ campaign: Food items could cost less - group

It is possible for a further drop in prices on other food items following the reduction in the prices of certain beverages by 10 sen, says Malaysian Muslim Restaurant Owners Association (Presma) vice-president Abdul Mukthahir M Ibrahim.

This follows the group’s decision to lower the price of sugar-free and milk-free beverages by 10 sen in support of the special “less sugar, lower price” campaign that the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry will soon roll out.

When asked if there is a plan to further reduce the price of other items, Mukthahir said a key factor is the costs to be borne by traders.

“It depends on the costs. For instance, if the government suddenly decides to provide subsidies to traders, the prices of food or beverages can be reduced.

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“It all depends on what kind of assistance that the government is willing to provide,” he told Malaysiakini today.

The first phase of Presma’s plan will see lower prices for coffee and tea without milk or sugar.

“In the future, we will review operational costs and the increase in the price of basic goods.

“Additionally, if the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry agrees to provide incentives to traders, many more foods and beverages will likely be included in the price reduction list," Mukthahir said.

Yesterday, media reports said that more than 3,000 restaurants under Presma agreed to reduce the price of plain tea and plain coffee.

Curbing excessive sugar intake

Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Deputy Minister Fuziah Salleh reportedly said she has already held engagement sessions with several restaurant associations and industry representatives before drafting the ministry’s campaign.

She said the “less sugar, lower price” campaign is a joint initiative to address the rising costs of treating diseases caused by unhealthy and unbalanced eating habits, particularly excessive sugar intake.

Presma vice-president Abdul Mukthahir M Ibrahim

Aside from Presma, the Malaysian Indian Restaurant Owners Association (Primas) and the Malaysian Singapore Coffee Shop Proprietors General Association (MSCSPGA) were also involved in the engagement sessions.

Mukthahir said Presma is participating in the campaign to reduce sugar consumption due to the increasing medical costs incurred in treating the growing number of diabetes patients.

Separately, he added that the targeting of diesel subsidies does not have a significant impact on the price of food and beverages.

He explained that the price of food and beverages is set after traders take into account their operational costs as well as their competitors’ prices.

“For example, if one shop sells coffee for RM1.50, and another sells it for RM1.40, the price will not be increased to RM1.90.

“The increase will follow the situation, operational costs, and shop rent rates, all of which will be carefully reviewed first,” he explained. - Mkini