Excessive Ramadan buffet prices may discourage locals, warns Sarawak deputy minister

KUCHING (Feb 4): Hotels in Sarawak have been reminded to review their Ramadan buffet pricing to ensure it remains reasonable, as excessively high charges could discourage customers, particularly the local market.

In pointing this out, Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Project Coordinator for Regional Development Agencies, DBKU and Islamic Affairs) Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi said most customers in Sarawak comprise local communities, unlike major cities such as Kuala Lumpur and Penang.

“This phenomenon of high buffet prices is spreading because operators are following trends in big cities.

“Here, most of our customers are local communities. If the charges are too high, it may not be worth it.

We are concerned that customers may stop coming if prices are set too high,” he said when responding to reporters’ questions on public concerns over expensive iftar buffet prices.

Dr Abdul Rahman was met after officiating at the Sarawak Islamic Council Contribution Ceremony to Mosques, Surau & Islamic Cemeteries 2026M/1447H at the Sarawak Islamic Complex here.

He also reminded organisers, including hotel operators, that approval from the Sarawak Islamic Religious Department (Jais) and the Sarawak Islamic Council (MIS) is mandatory before offering iftar buffets.

“They cannot put up banners, posters, or any form of promotion without prior approval from the Sarawak Islamic Council and Jais,” he said.

New organisers, he added, must also ensure halal certification is in place.

“We must ensure all food providers have halal certificates before holding the buffet.
Even the names used should not be misleading — they must be strictly for breaking fast and not for other purposes,” he said.

On preparations for Ramadan bazaars, Dr Abdul Rahman said that the Kuching North City Commission (DBKU) had conducted a ballot for traders two weeks ago, with lot numbers to be announced soon.

“For your information, DBKU is only providing one Ramadan bazaar this year, which is in Satok and fully managed by DBKU,” he said.

He added that two additional bazaars at Sukma and Semarak would be organised through collaboration with other operators.

For other locations, DBKU has no objections, provided organisers ensure cleanliness, proper stalls arrangements to avoid road obstruction and do not occupy parking spaces.

“Traders must also undergo health inspections and obtain health certificates from the Health Department,” he said.