Mamak shops see up to 30% rise in costs over global economic pressures

2026-03-26 - 03:11

Most mamak restaurants are trying to maintain their prices and absorb the additional costs by optimising operations and reducing wastage to avoid burdening customers, said Presma. (Bernama pic) PETALING JAYA: Mamak restaurants are feeling the effects of global economic pressures with a 10% to 30% rise in prices for certain goods impacting operating costs, according to the Malaysian Muslim Restaurant Owners Association (Presma). Presma president Mosin Abdul Razak said this resulted from supply chain disruptions, a rise in logistics costs, and prolonged global economic uncertainty, exacerbated by the Iran war. He said the rise in prices ranged from raw ingredients like chicken, vegetables and certain imported ingredients, to goods like packaging and cooking gas. “The increase varies according to the goods but averages at between 10% and 30%. We started seeing this trend in the middle of last year, and it has continued until now. “We expect further rises in prices based on the current geopolitical landscape,” he told FMT. However, Mosin said most operators were trying to maintain their prices and absorb the additional costs by optimising operations and reducing wastage to avoid burdening customers. He also said they had started looking for alternative suppliers with better prices. “Nonetheless, if these price pressures persist, a minimal adjustment in prices may be unavoidable.” He expressed hope that the government could introduce a mechanism to stabilise the price of raw ingredients as well as incentives for the food and beverage sector. Mosin said the relevant agencies should seek to strengthen the domestic supply chain while reducing reliance on imports.