In a recent Facebook post, Syed Mohd Syed Hasif, a street vendor on Jalan Besar in Klang, shared the challenges he faced in his food business due to the escalating cost of living. Syed Mohd Syed Hasif, who sells laksa and coconut rice, expressed his struggle as he had to increase the price of a bowl of laksa to RM10.

"I used to sell it for RM8, but due to rising raw material costs, I had to raise the price to RM10. However, many customers criticized me for being too expensive. In the end, I had to compromise and sell it at a lower price of RM5, which is basically a loss-making deal," he explained.

Syed Mohd Syed Hasif highlighted the impact of reduced selling prices on his business, leading to an inability to cover expenses such as two employees' salaries, stall rent, and miscellaneous fees. He detailed the costs involved in making laksa, citing wild ginger flowers at RM2 per stalk, onions at RM60 per kilogram, and the crucial fish for laksa broth ranging from RM14 to RM16 per kilogram.

Moreover, dried chilies, another essential ingredient, cost him RM70 per kilogram. Syed Mohd Syed Hasif emphasized the necessity of purchasing various ingredients since he didn't have the luxury of cultivating them in a rural setting. To meet customers' expectations for a rich and flavorful broth, he had to add more fish.

Expressing frustration, Syed Mohd Syed Hasif questioned those who criticize food prices without considering the rising costs of raw materials. He felt targeted as a small business owner, earnestly trying to make a living in the face of constant challenges.

"I am sincerely and tirelessly running my business. When everyone demands higher quality, some people continuously undermine us behind our backs. It's truly hurtful," he lamented. Syed Mohd Syed Hasif shared that he fell ill and opened the stall to save money for medical treatment.

In response to the situation, he had no choice but to revert to the original price of RM8 for his laksa, acknowledging that the RM5 price had led to losses, considering the various ingredients required to make the delectable dish.

Support poured in from netizens in the comments section, urging customers to consider the current economic situation and empathize with small businesses like Syed Mohd Syed Hasif's.

"Eating out and questioning the prices? If you like it, buy it. If it's too expensive, don't buy it. There's no need to attack hawkers' businesses on social media. I buy groceries at the market every day, and prices have indeed skyrocketed. If you want cheap, cook at home with your effort and gas. I've tried his laksa, it's delicious, worth the price. If someone finds it expensive, just don't buy it! Cook at home," one supportive comment read.