Johor Bahru resident Zulkhubri Ali Khan, who is a regular at 7 Oaks Bakery Cafe at Taman Pelangi, told CNA which he noticed the outlet offers tweaked the prices on its menu in recent weeks.
“The prices have increased. Pasta dishes that will previously cost RM18 to RM20 are now RM22 to RM25. Same with other mains like burgers plus rice dishes, ” said Mr Zulkhubri.
“I don’t think this can prevent me through coming again because the food quality the following is good. But it is worth noting that each meal will be more costly, ” added the business enterprise consultant.
Manager for 7 Oaks Bakery Coffee shop Firdaus Mansur stated that due to price hikes for raw materials like eggs, rice plus cooking oil, prices of “most dishes” on its menu have gone up simply by 5 to 10 per cent.
However , he stated that the cafe has additionally increased the part of its dishes.
“We obtain components directly from a provider, and the prices we buy these raw foods are in line with the actual government has established, ” said Mister Firdaus.
“Our profit margins are already very small so we don’t gain anything through increasing the prices, ” he added.
INFLUX OF SINGAPORE VISITORS AN ADDING FACTOR?
A few locals have mooted the possibility that eateries in Johor Bahru have got increased prices due to the return of site visitors from Singapore since the borders reopened in April.
Mr Muhd Lediglich Hidayat claimed that it was possible many of these eateries lost revenue during prolonged border closures due to COVID-19, and they are now looking to “earn back” by raising prices.
“In 2021, when dining out resumed (as part of loosening COVID-19 restrictions), many outlets did not raise prices as they were likely afraid of scaring aside locals, ” stated Muhd Nur Hidayat.
“But since Singaporeans are back, business is good and demand, they grab the opportunity to recoup their losses, ” he posited.
Local news wall plug the Star reported last week that the increase of visitors from Singapore, coupled with the stronger Singapore buck against the Malaysia ringgit, has led to Johor Bahru eateries cashing-in by raising prices.
However, Johor Bahru restaurants interviewed by CNA denied they were deliberately cashing in on any tourist influx, preserving that the hike was just a snowball effect of an increase in operating costs.
Seven Oaks supervisor Mr Firdaus declared that the increase in prices on the cafe’s menu was made to assure it remains inexpensive for its local customers, and not its Singapore customers.
“On weekends, our customers are fifty to 60 per cent from Singapore. But on the whole, we are still very much dependent on local people to keep our business going, ” stated Mr Firdaus.
“Hence, we all only raised price ranges in a measured manner, ” he added in.
Master of science Nizwara Sayabi, who all operates a Ramly burger stall in close proximity to a car wash on Bukit Chagar, mentioned that she has increased rates because meat patties, eggs, buns as well as wrapping paper was getting more expensive.