Freelance writer Shahrul Hafeez Seman, 56, said the effects of inflation have yet to be felt as the chain reaction from rising petrol prices has not occurred. Financial consultant Mohammad Azman Taufiq, 44, said his family has been scaling back on expenses, including Hari Raya spending, since the Covid-19 pandemic. He said his family would buy only one new outfit per person this year and focus more on preparing festive dishes. “As a family, we buy Hari Raya outfits from local brands as they are of high quality and reasonably priced. I will have to cook at home and be more creative with my grocery budget,” she said.

Source: The Star March 14, 2026 01:01 UTC