20/09/2025

SATURDAY | SEPT 20, 2025 3 Forestry data being collected nationwide KUALA LUMPUR: Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani said the government is collecting forestry data from all state governments to be submitted as updated information to the Food and Agriculture Organisation next year. He urged state governments to play their part by providing accurate and up-to-date data on activities in their respective forests to the Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES) Ministry. “A committee comprising the Plantation |and Commodities Ministry and the NRES Ministry will collaborate in collecting and coordinating the data.“ Speaking at a press conference yesterday after launching the Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil (MSPO) initiative, he said his role as the minister overseeing the NRES Ministry portfolio would further facilitate efforts to harmonise the data. Meanwhile, MSPO introduced the MSPO Impact Alliance, a multi-stakeholder platform aimed at strengthening Malaysia’s leadership in sustainable palm oil. Johari said the platform enables Malaysia to test new approaches, address challenges and unlock innovations that reinforce both MSPO and Malaysia’s position in global markets. He also said the platform brings together the government, industry, financiers and civil society, with responsibilities shared and solutions shaped together. “This (unlocks) opportunities for initiatives such as a smallholder European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) readiness sandbox, which would map and document smallholder plots to meet EUDR requirements while ensuring their continued integration into global trade.“ He added that as a testbed for innovation, the platform provides a framework to build models that link sustainability and competitiveness. He also said in line with MSPO’s core element of protecting labour and human rights, the platform could pilot initiatives to strengthen worker protections by providing channels for workers to raise concerns. “Its value lies in providing a space (in which) objectives are translated into action, pilots into policy and evidence into international recognition.“ – Bernama Govt mulls expansion of anti-bullying Bill ISKANDAR PUTERI: The government is considering proposals to extend the age group in the Anti-Bullying Tribunal Bill, rather than focusing solely on those under 18 years. Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said said the matter was raised during Anti-Bullying town hall sessions and via the Institutional Reform Map portal. She said the majority of views called for the Bill to have a broader scope, given that bullying cases are not only prevalent in schools but have also been reported in other institutions. “If it is opened to all age groups, it would not only involve the Education Ministry but also the Higher Education Ministry, public and private educational institutions and even military and police colleges, as elements of bullying also occur there. “There have been feedback calling for a more open approach, but the matter is under review.” Azalina said the Bill is expected to reduce the number of bullying cases in the country. Citing the Sexual Harassment Tribunal as an example, she said the tribunal mechanism enables a faster resolution of complaints, thereby raising public awareness. She also encouraged individuals who are unable to attend the town hall sessions to share their views online via the portal, which provides a dedicated section for comments, criticisms and suggestions to strengthen the draft of the Bill. – Bernama

‘Shrinkflation’ widespread in food industry: Expert

o ‘Practice has become frequent response strategy for operators facing cost pressures’

awareness campaigns and long term investment in domestic food production are among measures that could ease pressures at both ends of the supply chain. Universiti Utara Malaysia hospitality expert Assoc Prof Dr Narentheren Kaliappen said the real impact of shrinkflation is cultural, eroding the generosity and trust that underpin the dining traditions of the country. “In Malaysia, food is not just about eating. It is part of our culture, comfort and community. When portions start shrinking, so does trust. “Generosity has always been part of our food identity and losing that undermines the dining experience.” He added that surveys conducted overseas show consumers feel misled by shrinkflation and switch brands as a result. “That erosion of loyalty is dangerous.” Narentheren suggested alternatives such as modest but transparent price hikes, multiple portion sizes, smarter sourcing of local and seasonal ingredients and a focus on service quality. “In hospitality, trust is everything. Once lost, it is very hard to rebuild. Shrinkflation may keep businesses afloat today, but it chips away at customer trust in the future.”

Further up the supply chain, the pressure was greater. Producer prices for agriculture and fishery products surged by 11.5%, driven by higher costs for raw materials, feed, fertiliser and logistics. “This means operators are caught in the middle. They cannot transfer the full increase to consumers, or they risk losing business. So, some of the cost is absorbed through smaller margins. “But when they cannot fully cover costs, they turn to shrinkflation. It (reduces) sudden price hikes, but still hits the wallets of consumers.” She added that the practice erodes confidence. “When people pay the same but get less, they feel cheated. It creates a less transparent market and in the long run, consumers may shift to cooking at home or going to eateries that are upfront about their portions.” Fazleen added that shrinkflation reflects deeper structural weaknesses – dependence on imported materials, inefficient supply chains, stagnant productivity and climate disruptions. She said transparency, not blanket price controls, is the way forward. Clearer menu labelling, consumer

Ű BY FAIZ RUZMAN newsdesk@thesundaily.com

PETALING JAYA: Smaller glasses of teh tarik , reduced portions of pre-packed nasi lemak and diluted beverages are signs of “shrinkflation”, a hidden inflation practice that experts say points to cracks in Malaysia’s food system. UiTM food security expert Assoc Prof Dr Fazleen Abdul Fatah said the practice, in which portions shrink while prices stay the same, is widespread. “This is not an isolated observation. It has become a frequent response strategy for operators facing cost pressures.” Citing data from the Statistics Department, he said food and non-alcoholic beverage prices rose by 3.5% in July.

Narentheren said the real impact of shrinkflation is cultural, eroding the generosity and trust that underpin Malaysian dining traditions. – AMIRUL SYAFIQ/THESUN

Public split over smaller portions and rising prices PETALING JAYA: From mamaks to kopitiams , Malaysians are split between frustration and resignation as portions shrink and prices climb, with some praising honest hawkers while others feel short-changed. For civil engineer Sabrina Zali, 26, the shift is obvious. beef, has gone up everywhere, with some stalls charging more than RM2.50 per stick.” Manager Muhammad Khoirul Amier, 31, said his regular mamak has not cut food portions but the beverages tell another story. “If (a beverage is) served in a cup, you get less. Takeaway (options) give more, but they also cost more.” 25, said rice with chicken and curry that once cost RM8 could now reach RM12. “ Briyani is even higher. But I would say it is reasonable given the economy.”

A university student, who gave her name only as Sasmetasri, 21, spends between RM10 and RM20 per visit to eateries. She said increased prices and smaller servings have become routine. “Most of the time, portions are smaller but prices have gone up. “It is understandable because stall owners face higher costs. But at the same time, it feels unfair. Both sides are under pressure, so it is reasonable but still frustrating.” The mixed views reflect a tense circumstance for operators. While many tolerate open price hikes, hidden portion cuts risk eroding trust and driving customers elsewhere. – By Faiz Ruzman

“ Nasi lemak that used to cost RM1 is now RM3 for a smaller pack. Prices (are allowed) go up, but they should be fair. “A standard nasi lemak should be RM1.50 to RM2, with a portion that matches the price.” Marketing professional Ammar Azman, 36, agreed that honesty makes a difference. “At a kopitiam I frequent, the owner informed customers there would be a price increase for nasi lemak . Because of his honesty, people still go there.” Still, Ammar worries about broader trends. “(The price of ) satay , whether chicken or

Entrepreneur Muhammad Rizqan, 25, said pre-packed nasi lemak and fried noodles are examples of shrinkflation. “At mamaks , drinks keep going up in price although sizes remain the same. It feels justified because costs are rising, but it does not give the same satisfaction as before.” Others take a more forgiving view. Construction supervisor Muhammad Iskandar Halmi, 26, said smaller servings in meals are “noticeable but justified”. Talent acquisition specialist Low Yee Dan,