The price of pork is rising once more and the F&B industry can no longer bear with the costs. Local Bah Kut Teh eateries in Klang may be increasing their prices next month to cope.

Due to the shortage of feed and swine fever, the price of pork has risen 6 times since the beginning of 2022. It is no longer possible for the industry to support small profits with quick turnover; hence vendors may resort to raising their prices to cope with rising costs.

The global shortage of wheat causes a chain effect that has impacted domestic feed prices, causing the operating costs of the breeding industry to skyrocket. The price of pork also began to rise in January this year, but most of the Bah Kut Teh industry did not dare to raise their prices at that time, shouldering the rising costs on their own.

In March and April, apart from the shortage of feed, the African swine fever was also reported in many pig farms, leading to even higher prices. So far, the price of pork has risen for the sixth time in less than half a year. In desperation, the Bah Kut Teh industry finally had to increase their prices by 50 sen to RM1.

Bak Kut Teh is a local delicacy in Klang. Since the price of pork has been increasing continuously, considering the current price of Bak Kut Teh in Klang, a bowl of Bak Kut Teh is currently RM12 for one person, and RM14 for a clay pot.

However, given that the price of live pigs has risen by RM50 per 100 kilograms, the industry can no longer rely on small profits with quick turnover. The price of pork may also continue to rise. Therefore, Klang Bak Kut The eateries are expected to increase their prices slightly next month. .

Mr. Lee, the owner of one of the famous Bah Kut Teh shops in Pandamaran “Mo Sang Kor” Bah Kut Teh, pointed out in an interview that although the price of pork have been rising, the industry also worries that price adjustments would scare off customers.

He revealed that the shop’s Bah Kut Teh was originally RM11 for a bowl, but it was raised by RM1. Even though the price of pork has increased many times, they still maintained their prices at RM12, which has been supported by the way of small profits but quick turnover.

"I have been told that the price of pork will increase next month. Because the price of pork is too high to absorb the cost by itself, I believe that most of the industry will increase the price slightly again next month."

He said that pork prices have been increasing since a month ago, when the industry was already feeling the pressure of rising costs. Although pork is still available on the market, it is dwindling and the outlook is bleak.

For example, in the past, customers may have asked for 10 bowls of small bones, but now they may only be able to provide 6 or 7 bowls. It is obvious that there is a serious shortage of pork parts, and it could no longer fit the needs of diners alike.

Reference Links - 
[1] Oriental Daily