PETALING JAYA: The prices of noodles will stay for now, says the Malaysian Bakery, Biscuit, Confectionery, Mee and Kuay Teow Merchants Association.

       Its president Chaang Tuck Cheong said association members are currently observing the situation.

       Despite the 36% price hike on imported white rice, he noted that prices of other raw materials had slightly decreased in the past two months.

       “In light of this, prices are temporarily maintained.

       “However, if the price of rice surpasses the production costs, then members may make adjustments,” he said when contacted yesterday.

       Chaang said a shortage of local white rice and broken rice had forced noodle makers to use imported ones, which saw their cost raised by 20% to 30%.

       “We would prefer to use local rice if it is available,” he said, adding that noodle makers are currently absorbing the extra cost to help alleviate the people’s burden.

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       “The prices of mee and kuey teow in the market may vary and be fixed by individual manufacturers depending on production costs,” he added.

       Beginning Sept 1, the price of imported white rice is increased from RM2,350 to RM3,200 per tonne in line with the current global pricing, affected by climate change, the weakening ringgit and India’s ban on rice exports, among others.