KOTA BHARU - Thai rice, a staple food in Kelantan, has recently recorded a price increase by around RM1.50 to RM3.50 per kilogram over the past few days. A supplier who identified herself as Zubedah said she sold 9kg of Thai rice last Wednesday for RM38.
"However, today (Friday), the price has reached RM39.50, indicating an increase of RM1.50.
"As for the 5kg rice, the cheapest is at RM17.50, and the most expensive is RM18.50," she said when contacted.
According to her, Thai rice was sold at only RM15, and now the increase is quite significant, ranging from RM2.50 to RM3.50.
Zubedah said the price increase of rice is observed daily due to the current depreciation of the Malaysian currency.
"Given this situation, doing business is challenging, and I am hesitant to stock up in large quantities.
"If, for instance, prices drop tomorrow or the day after, it would be a loss for the stock bought at higher prices previously," she said.