KUALA LUMPUR, Jan. 11 -- Rawang assemblyman Chua Wei Kiat has weighed in on public frustration over rising prices, arguing that in Malaysia's free-market system, consumer behaviour is a powerful force that shapes the cost of everyday goods.

His comments, made in a Facebook post, come amid growing public complaints over the rising prices.

One social media user recently tagged Chua in a post questioning a hawker's 50 sen increase for a bowl of yee mee, which now costs RM10, asking if the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living could investigate the justification.

In response, Chua explained that prices are determined not just by input costs but also by market response.

"When everyone rushes to buy RM15 coffee, the market is tellin...