Arabica coffee beans reached nearly US$3.50 (RM15.75) per pound in December, marking their highest price since 1977. This represents an 83% increase from previous levels. Robusta beans also saw a significant price jump, climbing 73% to US$5,885 per tonne in November.
As a result, coffee drinkers in Malaysia are beginning to feel the pinch. Coffee enthusiast Luqman Hakim Kamaruzzaman, 29, shared with Bernama that he now spends RM120 to RM150 weekly on coffee. For him, a cup costing more than RM15 is considered expensive, prompting him to become more selective about where he buys his coffee. “I can brew my own coffee by finding a local coffee roastery, buying beans, and grinding them myself, and that’s how I can save,” he explained.
Nurul Huda Muhammad Noor, 45, also mentioned that the rising prices are affecting her coffee habits. Although she remains a strong coffee lover, she has reduced her intake due to both health and financial reasons. “I’ll save coffee for special occasions and outings,” she said.
For Ahmad Hijazi Mohd Faizal, a 27-year-old who spends around RM30 weekly on coffee, the rising costs are prompting him to seek cheaper alternatives. He plans to turn to local products or small roadside stalls offering more affordable coffee. However, he noted that not all local cafés meet his taste preferences due to variations in bean quality.
According to the Department of Statistics, Malaysia imports most of its coffee beans from Vietnam, Indonesia, and Brazil. The average Malaysian consumed 2.2kg of coffee in 2022, reflecting a 5.2% increase from 2017.
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