Kuala lumpur: The supply of essential goods and key raw materials such as chicken, meat, and vegetables nationwide is sufficient to meet the high demand in conjunction with Chinese New Year tomorrow and ahead of Ramadan.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, a survey in several states found traders actively making preparations, while consumers have begun early purchases ahead of the fasting month. For Bambang Ali, 40, a chicken and meat trader at Chow Kit Market, supply throughout this week remains sufficient, with quantities increased ahead of Ramadan. The market, which is usually closed on Mondays, operated as usual today to allow the public to make preparations. Bambang noted that while the number of customers isn't overwhelming, some are still coming to buy essentials. Last weekend, meat sales were particularly encouraging, reaching about 600 kilogrammes (kg) a day compared to the usual 200 kg on normal days.

However, Azmin Mohamad Dari, a fish trader at the same market, faced challenges as the supply has slightly decreased, and prices have risen by between RM1 and RM2 due to many suppliers and boat operators from the Chinese community being on holiday. Meanwhile, vegetable supplier Anwar Mahsum mentioned that leafy vegetables and imported chillies from Thailand are currently difficult to obtain, with traders stocking up early to meet demand during the festive holidays. Supply is expected to stabilize about a week after Chinese New Year.

Housewife Maria Yunus employs a prudent strategy by buying essentials such as fish, vegetables, and chicken earlier, about a week before the fasting month, as prices are cheaper compared with last-minute purchases. In Selangor, vegetable trader Ng Mei Hong reported her shop being crowded with customers wanting to ensure their kitchen supplies are sufficient ahead of Ramadan, as most shops will be closed for Chinese New Year and will resume operations on February 18. Ng reassured that there will be no problem for customers preparing for the fasting month as all items are still available.

In Penang, housewife Noor Halimah Hassan has also made early purchases to manage her family expenses more prudently. She prepares everything early, buying slightly more perishable items such as fish, prawns, squid, and chicken to keep as a week's supply because it is more convenient. Meanwhile, chicken trader Mohd Syafiq Abu Bakar reported his stock selling out earlier than usual over the past two days as customers bought in larger quantities. Usually, stock would be exhausted around noon, but now it is sold out as early as 10 am.

In Kelantan, Azmah Harun has bought all essential items such as rice, eggs, and cooking oil since last week in preparation for Ramadan. Coincidentally, her three children are returning to the village to observe the first day of fasting with the family, so the supplies bought earlier can be used for their breaking-of-fast meals. Meanwhile, organic chicken supplier Zakaria Yunus had prepared more than 1,000 chickens in conjunction with the Chinese New Year celebrations and the start of Ramadan, higher than usual to ensure sufficient supply.