SHAH ALAM, May 4 — Small traders at a farmers’ market have acknowledged that fuel subsidies have helped ease daily operating costs, but say it is still not enough to offset rising fuel prices and supply pressures.
Vegetable seller Muhammad Mukhlash Nasirin, 38, said his business, which he has been running for more than 25 years, is now facing greater challenges due to the sharp increase in fuel costs.
“Things are really difficult now because fuel prices have gone up significantly. We cannot raise selling prices too much, otherwise customers will leave. On top of that, vegetables spoil quickly if not sold,” he said.
“For now, the subsidy does help, but we are also worried if one day it is removed,” he told Media Selangor when met at the Seksyen 13 Pasar Tani here.
Fish seller Mohd Hairul Anuar Mukhlas, 42, shared a similar view, saying fuel costs are a major burden as he needs to travel long distances to source his supply.
“I get stock from Perak, Sungai Besar and Sekinchan. Fuel usage is very high. Now filling a full tank can cost almost RM400 even with the subsidy, so we can really feel it if the subsidy is withdrawn,” he said.
“There is no issue getting supply, but sometimes prices from suppliers increase slightly, so we also have to adjust our selling prices a bit,” said the trader of more than 20 years.
Meanwhile, fruit seller Muhammad Mustaqim Firdaus, 26, said fuel price increases directly affect profit margins, especially for perishable goods.
“The subsidy is not enough. It runs out in less than a month. Sometimes we have to sell fruits at a loss when they are about to spoil. We don’t really make much profit, so we just have to accept it as long as the stock is sold,” he said.
“I hope the government can increase the subsidy further, at least to help traders like us who are out working every day,” he added, saying he has not reduced workers’ wages but instead slightly increased fruit prices to absorb costs.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the issue faced by the traders will be brought to the Cabinet meeting this Wednesday to examine measures to ease the burden on the group.
He told the media in Putrajaya today that feedback obtained directly from petty traders shows that prices are rising gradually week by week.
“I’m not hearing this from the Treasury secretary-general (Datuk Johan Mahmood Merican) or secretaries-general — I’m hearing it from the shops,” he said.
Anwar said that while official reports indicate prices remain under control, the reality at the grassroots level must be taken into account in formulating government policy.
“So at Cabinet meeting this Wednesday, I will raise this issue. I want to know how we can monitor it more effectively.”
