How much do you spend on groceries per month?

While our grocery spending may vary based on our household preferences and income, the community communications department (J-KOM) claimed that Malaysian households only need to spend RM391 on groceries per month, much to the chagrin of Malaysians online.

J-KOM presented an infographic showcasing six affordable items that a family of four, with a minimum household income of RM1,500, could afford to purchase, which includes two chickens (RM37.60), two 10kg bags of rice (RM38/bag), eggs (RM14/carton), oil (RM13.80/two bottles), bread (RM8.60/2 jumbo loaves), and gas (RM19/cylinder).

Meanwhile, a single-person household would only need RM228 to survive the month.

The infographic further illustrated that a family of four would only need to spend RM97.75 per week on these, but is that the truth? Netizens are slamming J-KOM for the supposedly "tone-deaf" poster.

It left out other needs, such as shampoo, and milk, one netizen pointed out, as babies aged one to two cannot simply live off eggs.

Another netizen encouraged J-KOM to simply acknowledge that grocery prices have indeed, increased, without any further justifications.

One netizen further pointed out that the family surviving on RM391/month would be on a malnutrition diet devoid of good fats and vegetables.

What do you think of this issue? Let us know your thoughts!