KUALA LUMPUR, July 1 -- There was a time, not so long ago, when RM100 could fill a shopping trolley with ease.

Today, that same RM100 note feels like it stretches a little less with every visit to the supermarket. Amid persistent cost-of-living pressures and growing fears that escalating conflicts in the Middle East could further drive up global transport and food costs, the "shrinking ringgit" has become a daily reality for Malaysian households.

So, what does RM100 actually buy in July 2026?

To find out, Malay Mail conducted a supermarket challenge: Build a balanced grocery basket for a small household using a strict RM100 budget.

The result was a mix of fresh essentials - vegetables, eggs, protein, and pantry staples - that illustra...