Press Digest - Eateries raise prices by a hefty 20%

PETALING JAYA: Some eateries have already increased their prices ahead of the implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) tomorrow – and by a hefty 20%!
While housewives thronged hypermarkets and supermarkets busy stocking up on non-perishable items on the last weekend before GST becomes effective, a good number of eateries in the Klang Valley, particularly food hawkers, have quietly readjusted their prices, Nanyang Siang Pau reported today.
According to the report, readers called up to complain about big increase in prices charged by eateries, including hawkers who have raised their "pan mee" by RM1 a bowl to RM7, citing the impending GST.
A glass of Chinese tea, perhaps the cheapest drink available at eateries, has also gone up by 20 sen to 70 sen, lamented one of the readers, who questioned the basis for the 40% increase.
The report said a random check in the Klang Valley confirmed that many hawkers have increased their prices and respondents said familiar food, such as the economy rice (aka mixed rice or chap fan), is no longer as affordable as the name suggests.
They pointed out that this is the second time food hawkers have raised their prices this year. The first one was during the Chinese New Year.
A plate of mixed rice or fried rice now costs RM4 to RM5 in general and RM6 to RM7 in upmarket areas following an increase of between 50 sen and RM2.
A respondent said he could accept if the increase is not more than 50 sen, but "anything more than that is too much".
Another respondent lamented that some hawkers have not only increased their prices but also reduced the portion.
Some of those interviewed said they would avoid eating out as much as possible by cooking at home and bringing lunch boxes to office.
Those who do not cook said they would check the prices before ordering their food and will avoid stalls which "overcharge".