-File pic, for illustration purpose only.
-File pic, for illustration purpose only.

LETTERS: I was shocked to read that a popular bread maker is increasing the prices of 38 products by about 10 per cent, effective from Dec 1.

The company cited the rising costs of raw materials in justifying the increase.

Bread is the cheapest breakfast meal one can find. A loaf of bread is able to fill the stomachs of an average family.

It is a basic necessity. Hence its price is controlled by the authorities. Producers cannot unilaterally increase prices.

An increase in the price of bread will start a chain reaction; prices of other basic items will rise, too. In addition, the price increase comes during the pandemic, which shows little sign of abating.

Let's remember that many people are still struggling to make ends meet.

We had recently been hit by increases in the prices of chicken and vegetables. It is difficult to stomach another price increase of a basic necessity.

One does not need an accountant to tell us that the cost of producing bread decreases when the volume of production increases.

I am sure there is an increase in bread production during the pandemic as people opt for a cheaper breakfast.

Therefore, I urge the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry to put on hold the price increase by the bread producer.

The authorities should be the one deciding on price changes, especially in the current environment.

Wong Soo Kan

Petaling Jaya, Selangor


The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times