Are traditional cake prices too low at the Chini Ramadan Bazaar?

Question

Accepted Answer

Traditional Cake Prices at Chini Ramadan Bazaar Raise Questions of Affordability

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak expressed surprise at the remarkably low prices of traditional cakes at the Bandar Dara Ramadan Bazaar in Chini, questioning if they were being sold too cheaply. The cake seller, Razali Abdul Latip, confirmed that items such as ‘kuih lopes’ and ‘cucur udang’ were priced at three for RM1 and four for RM1 respectively, leading to a total of RM4 for six ‘kuih lopes’ and eight ‘cucur udang’.
Seller's Pricing Strategy

Razali Abdul Latip, who has been trading at the bazaar for 30 years, explained that the low prices are a deliberate strategy to attract a larger customer base. This approach aims to draw in more patrons while ensuring that the quality and taste of the traditional cakes remain appealing. The pricing is a result of an agreement with the cake makers, with both parties opting not to impose higher costs on consumers.
Prime Minister's Reaction and Purchases

The Prime Minister's visit to the bazaar was marked by his repeated inquiries about the affordability of the traditional cakes. He initially purchased three pieces of ‘cucur udang’ for RM1, and upon learning the price, he offered RM2 for the items, still expressing that it was excessively cheap. Beyond the cakes, Najib Razak also made other purchases, including sugarcane juice for RM32 and satay for RM40.
General Market Context for Ramadan Bazaars

Ramadan bazaars across Malaysia are typically known for offering a wide array of affordable food and beverages, catering to the needs of Muslims breaking their fast. These temporary markets serve as a crucial platform for small-scale entrepreneurs and home-based businesses to generate income. While specific pricing benchmarks for traditional cakes can vary significantly by region and vendor, the general expectation is that these items are offered at competitive and accessible price points during the fasting month. However, the specific pricing strategy at the Chini bazaar, as highlighted by the Prime Minister's reaction, suggests a particularly keen focus on affordability.

Reading history

Hide →

This history is cleared when the page is closed.

Are traditional cake prices too low at the Chini Ramadan Bazaar?

Loading

Was this article helpful?

Helpful

Not helpful

Report an issue

1

0

0

Share with friends