With Deepavali approaching, the Penang Hindu Association (PHA) is worried about rising prices of important items for the festival. PHA President P. Murugiah pointed out that many essential ingredients for traditional Deepavali dishes have become much more expensive.

These include items like cardamom, fennel and cumin seeds, rice, milk powder, ghee, curry powder, wheat flour, and more. Comparing prices from last year to this year, the increases are significant. For example, dried chili prices went up from RM18.00 to RM30.00 per kg, and cumin seeds jumped from RM22.00 to RM48.00 per kg.

  
For illustrative purposes only 

Murugiah noted that these higher prices are causing financial stress for families, especially those in the B40 group who celebrate Deepavali. He called on government departments to investigate and take action against those responsible for the price hikes, citing the removal of subsidies, supply issues, and exchange rate fluctuations as factors.

Additionally, PHA suggested installing standardized weighing scales in various locations to prevent retailers from shortchanging customers. As Deepavali approaches, Murugiah advised Hindus to spend wisely, given the challenging economic situation. 

What do you think of this price hike? Comment below. 

Source: NST