Costlier seafood for Chinese New Year

The Star 8 Jan 10;

THE change in global weather has affected the production of seafood, causing the staple products traditionally used during Chinese New Year to cost more, Nanyang Siang Pau reported.

Checks by the daily with suppliers found that the price of some of the seafood products might rise as much as 50%.

“We will transfer the increase to consumers and we will not replenish the stock once the present stock runs out,” said one supplier.

Other than seafood, among the items traditionally used during the Lunar New Year are sea cucumbers, Chinese sausages, shark fins, abalone and mushrooms.

> Sin Chew Daily reported that more Chinese couples are getting married without first having their own property due to high prices in China.

A survey conducted by the state media found that at least 48% of youths could not afford a house or a car.

Commenting on the matter, a sociologist said couples nowadays did not place importance on material items.

“They are more willing to work hard together before starting a family,” she added.