JOHOR BARU: Despite the increase in the price of basic goods, restaurant owners are not hiking up their prices, at least for now.

       One restaurant owner, Goh Beng Guan, 55, said increasing the prices of dishes may result in a backlash from customers, who were already feeling the pinch.

       “We will try our best to stick to our existing prices so that we do not drive customers away.

       “It means we have to settle for lower profits but it is better than losing customers, especially after two years of slow business due to the pandemic.

       “For now, we can cope. But we will see how things go in the next few weeks,” he said.

       Another restaurant owner, Tan Kim Hock, 59, said the increase in the number of customers since the reopening of the border had helped ease his burden.

       “The price increases began during the Covid-19 pandemic but we have been able to maintain the prices of our dishes.

       “At least now we can depend on customers coming from Singapore as well and not just locals.

       “This has made it possible for us to continue absorbing the extra cost,” he said, adding that he would raise prices if the situation persists.

       Johor Indian Muslim Entrepreneur Association secretary Hussein Ibrahim also said the prices of dishes would remain unchanged at least until the end of this month.

       “For now, we do not have plans to increase prices because we know customers will not be happy,” he said.