Tofu And Soya Prices In KL Rise As Diesel Costs Surge To Almost RM7 Per Litre

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Tofu is no longer as cheap as it used to be

With fuel costs rising and global supply pressures building, even basic staples are starting to feel the squeeze, and traders say this may not be the end of it.

According to a ground report by Malay Mail, prices of tofu and soya-based products in parts of Kuala Lumpur have risen by nearly 10% since early April, following a sharp increase in diesel prices.

At Pasar Harian Selayang, traders say they've had little choice but to pass on the higher costs.

Kamol Cheng Thean, a soy products trader, said different types of tofu, including dry, fresh, fried, and five-spiced, have increased by around 10 sen per piece.

Pressed tofu has gone up even more, by about 20 sen per piece.

"Before, one piece of tofu cost about 50 sen, but now I have to sell it for 60 sen. The supplier did not say if the prices will increase further, but if the fuel prices go up, the tofu price will also go up," he told Malay Mail.

Soya bean drinks have also become more expensive, rising by 50 sen per kg.

The price increases aren't happening in isolation

Malaysia relies heavily on imported soybeans, mainly from the US, and several global factors are now driving costs higher.

These include:

• Rising fertiliser prices due to reduced production
• Shipping disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz
• Increasing packaging costs

On top of that, diesel prices in Peninsular Malaysia have jumped significantly, from RM2.99 per litre in mid-February to RM6.72 per litre last week.

For traders, the increase directly affects transportation and supply costs.

Interestingly, not everything is getting more expensive at the same pace

At Pasar Harian Selayang, leafy greens like spinach and water spinach are still selling at around RM2.50 per kg, while cabbage and sawi range between RM3 and RM4 per kg.

However, some items are already seeing spikes.

Small cucumbers, for example, have risen from RM3 per kg to RM5 per kg in just a week.

Vendors say this is partly due to recent dry weather and heatwaves affecting harvests.

Despite relatively stable prices for some vegetables, traders say foot traffic has dropped noticeably.

Vegetable vendor Uma Pathy Marutapa said the issue is not just pricing, but fewer people coming to the market.

"I only make a profit of 50 sen per kg for each vegetable and the prices fluctuate all the time."