Consumers face higher laundry costs amid soaring LPG prices
KUALA LUMPUR: Consumers are expected to pay more for laundry services after operators across Malaysia decided to raise prices in response to a steep hike in liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) costs.
Regular washing services are expected to increase to RM10 from RM7 per kilogramme, while dry-cleaning for items such as shirts may rise to RM15 or RM16 from RM12 each.
Persatuan Pengusaha Dobi Melayu (Mula) secretary-general Mohd Hafizul Razali said the shift to commercial LPG, priced at around RM65 to RM70 for a 14kg cylinder, represents an increase of more than two and a half times the previous subsidised rate of RM27 to RM30.
"Whether we like it or not, laundry operators now have no choice but to adjust prices," he told NST, adding that industry players cannot absorb the cost increase.
Laundry operators have also warned that the removal of subsidised LPG for the laundry sector, now being enforced under Ops Gasak which began on May 1, could force some operators to shut down their businesses.
Hafizul said drying services at coin-operated laundries would now cost RM8, up from RM5 for a single full cycle — a sharp increase that may burden regular users.
Mula is engaging with the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry to request a policy review, as many Bumiputera-owned businesses are affected, Hafizul said.
"The cost of commercial LPG has increased significantly, and for businesses using five LPG cylinders a month, the financial impact is substantial," he said.
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