The prices for Hindu prayer items have shot up by as much as 56 percent compared to last year, claimed the Penang Hindu Association (PHA) and the Consumer Association of Penang (CAP).

In a joint statement today, they warned that the increase, which ranges from 14-56 percent when compared to November 2022, is hurting the poor more than the rich, and should be addressed by authorities.

"Deepavali was celebrated...