The subsidy cut for essential items like sugar and cooking gas that was implemented last month has not affected sales of food items around this city for Ramadan, which started yesterday.

Checks by Bernama around Jalan Masjid India and Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman, two popular Ramadan shopping areas in Kuala Lumpur, found them to be packed with shoppers.

Traders in the areas were generally happy that orders for Aidilfitri cookies had not changed much compared to last year.

A trader Zetty Sofia Kamarudin, who is from Johor Bahru, said sugar and flour stocks were in good supply and that quality and price were being maintained despite the subsidy cut for sugar so as no to affect sales.

Another trader Mohd Faizhan Husin, who sells beef-based items, said sales were brisk just like last year.

"I expect sales to pick up even further in two weeks time after people get their pay," he said.

Azilah Aziz, a biscuit seller from Ampang, echoed the same sentiments, saying the subsidy cuts had not materially affected sales of Ramadan delicacies this year.

- Bernama