PETALING JAYA: As consumer demand rises in tandem with interstate travel and the reopening of more economic sectors, retailers have advised shoppers to expect a moderate price increase in the next three to six months and to plan their festive shopping early.

       Malaysian Retailers Association vice-president Datuk Ameer Ali Mydin said Malaysian retailers had not been spared from the global supply chain crunch.

       “Retailers here are already having problems now, with many multinational companies in short supply of key items.

       “Consumers will find shortages in the market amid this supply chain disruption. If you go to stores you may find that some of your favourite goods are not available, but there are alternatives,” he said when contacted yesterday.

       Ameer, who is also the president of the Bumiputera Retailers Organisation said there might be shortages when it comes to certain seasonal and festive items for the coming Deepavali and Christmas celebrations.

       “This is because China – which supplies the world – is still struggling with its energy crisis,” he said.

       Investors, according to Ameer, are bracing for a further fallout beyond the ongoing supply chain problems.

       “This is disregarding other issues such as the price increase in the shipping containers,” said Ameer, adding that the supply chain crunch was also due to issues in retaining and hiring enough workers to meet production demands.

       He also expects festive apparel for Hari Raya Aidilfitri next year to be more expensive by 15% to 20% following the price increase in cotton.

       “The same may happen for school uniforms when children are expected to return to school in March next year,” he said.

       “Some people may think the Hari Raya is still months away but retailers have already placed our orders as China manufacturers will be closed for a month during the Chinese New Year period.

       “So, the festive goods must arrive before December. If production only starts after the Spring Festival, we won’t make it for Hari Raya which will be in early May,” he said, adding that Malaysians should shop early and wisely.

       Sunway Malls and Theme Park chief executive officer HC Chan concurred with Ameer’s outlook.

       “There were concerns as the lockdown throughout Asia earlier would have repercussions for the global supply chain.

       “The United Nations estimated about 42% of global exports are sourced from Asia. Production and shipping lines that were halted are now playing catch-up.

       “For larger retailers with stronger negotiation power, there will be ongoing leveraging on sourcing relationships,” said Chan.

       He noted it was important for retailers to be precise in forecasting and stockpiling goods amid these challenges.

       “Contingency for delayed deliveries has to be factored in,” he said, adding that ongoing volatility was likely to continue in the near term.