5 minutes of fame

Wherever I am in the world, I call my parents every week. While in Taiwan last week, I spoke to my highly-excited mother who reported that she and my dad had been featured in the local paper, while having lunch at their regular economy rice stall. Here's a snippet from the Star dated 11 June 2008.

No price hikes for now

By ANTHONY TAN

MANY economy rice shops in Penang, which are popular haunts for meals, are currently maintaining their prices despite the recent hike in fuel prices.

A check at some outlets showed that they had not increased the prices of their dishes and would only do so if the prices of raw items and cooking gas go up.

The shops had, however, increased the price of rice by 10sen to 20sen a plate since last month following the drastic increase in rice price.

Hawkers enjoying the economy rice at a stall in Bayan Baru.

Foo Soon Heoh, who runs an economy rice outlet in Jalan Tengah, Bayan Baru, said she would maintain the prices of her dishes for the moment.

“But if the costs of raw items and cooking gas go up, we will have to increase our prices,” she added.

Roland Yeoh, 65, and his wife, Chong Shing Choo, 64, who are regulars at Foo’s shop, said they were happy with the prices charged by Foo.

“It is not so costly for us to eat here,” said Yeoh as he and Chong enjoyed a meal of curry fish head, two fried fish, some vegetables and rice for just RM10.

Yeoh (left) and Chong enjoying their meal in Jalan Tengah.

The owner of an economy rice shop nearby said the price she charged customers depended on the amount they took.

“But I have not increased the price of dishes,” she said, adding that she had only raised the price of rice by 20sen to 80sen per plate last month.