Food prices in Malaysia rose by 1.8% year-on-year in July 2026, up from a 1.4% increase in June and marking the fastest pace since September 2025. The food & beverages category, which is the largest component of the consumer price index (CPI) basket, accounts for 29.8% of the total.
Price increases were recorded across all major components. Food consumed at home accelerated to 1.2% (from 0.5% in June), while cereals & cereal products remained steady at 0.2%. Meat inflation rose to 3.2% (from 1.5%), and fish & other seafood prices increased by 1.4% (slightly lower than 1.6% previously). Prices of milk, dairy products & eggs climbed 0.8% (from 0.1%), and oils & fats were stable at 0.2%.
Fruits & nuts prices increased by 1.1% (from 1.0%), vegetables rebounded to a 1.0% rise (from a 1.8% decline), and sugar, confectionery & desserts advanced 0.4% (slightly below 0.5% in June). Meanwhile, food away from home continued to see relatively stronger gains, with prices up 2.5% compared with 2.4% in the previous month.
