The increase in the price of commodities such as fuel and sugar has led many city dwellers to assume that they would inevitably have to pay more for breakfast in town.

However, a random survey by Bernama today found that breakfast charges in Kuala Lumpur have remained reasonable.

For instance, the price of 'nasi lemak', a favourite breakfast among Malaysians, is still basically RM1.50.

Lita Sulkan, 35, an assistant at Restoran Ala Kampung in Pandan Utama, Ampang said the outlet has maintained the price of most of the items on its menu, and even if some cost more now, the increase is merely by 10 to 20sen.

"Our plain nasi lemak and fried noodles are still priced at RM1.50 and with add-ons, around RM2.50 to RM4.50. But 'roti canai' which was 80sen then, costs 90sen now.

"As for beverage, 'teh tarik' costs the usual RM1.20 and 'teh O', RM1," she told Bernama today.

Pandan Utama, Ampang, food hawker Sawiyah Zaini, 60, said she had also maintained her prices.

"I still charge RM1.30 for plain nasi lemak, noodles and fried rice. With add-ons the price would be between RM2 and RM3.50.

"I don't earn much profit because I realise that if I charge too highly, customers would stay away," she said.

‘Breakfast at home’

Gusniarti Basyarudin, 42, who offers breakfast at Jalan Raja Muda Musa in Kampung Baharu, said he had not raised his prices.

"I maintain my nasi lemak and fried rice price at RM1.50. I still sell my kuih (local cakes) at RM1 for three pieces. Although the price of raw materials such as dried chilli and eggs have increased, I try to keep my prices reasonable for customers," he said.

Meanwhile, Gombak kuih seller Abdullah Mat, 40, said he raised his price from 30sen to 40sen per piece to balance off the sugar price increase.

"I used to offer three pieces for RM1 but I charge RM1.20 for three now," he said.

For Balqis Mansor, 33, who is a working mother-of-three, has "breakfast at home" particularly during weekends was more practical, to minimise spending.

"If it were just me and my husband, the cost would not be too imposing. We do have breakfast outside during weekdays as we are working and sometimes there isn't enough time to prepare it," she said.

Izwan Ismail, 26, said the cost of breakfast in the city was still reasonable.

"That is, if I buy from the hawkers at the sidewalk. But the price of nasi lemak may cost RM5 and above at a proper food outlet.

"Anyway, the choice is ours. But I hope traders would not focus too much on profit and raise prices as they like. If customers shy away, their business would be affected," he said.

- Bernama