A COMBINATION of prolonged hot weather and rising transportation costs has led to a sharp increase in vegetable prices, affecting both traders and consumers as the country emerges from the Aidilfitri festive period.
Traders say supply shortages have been exacerbated by unfavourable growing conditions, with several popular vegetables recording notable price hikes.
Among those affected are spring onions, pegaga, ulam raja, limes, okra and French beans.
Vegetable trader Mohamad Aizat Mohd Anurahim said the price of spring onions surged dramatically in the days leading up to Aidilfitri.
“Six days before Muslims celebrated Hari Raya Aidilfitri, the price of spring onions rose to RM26 per kilogramme compared with RM5 per kilogramme previously.
“Suppliers told me the increase was due to the hot weather, which has hindered the growth of spring onions.
“As a result, available stock is insufficient and prices have risen sharply,” he said when met at Pasar Raja Bot in Kuala Lumpur.
He added that further increases across other vegetables could be imminent, depending on supply conditions.
“I believe prices will rise further, although it is unclear when. If there is an increase, suppliers will inform us,” he said.
Another trader, Muhd Hisyam Zainuddin, said pegaga and ulam raja had also become more expensive during the festive period.
“Before Hari Raya, pegaga was sold at RM12 per kilogramme, but it has now increased to RM15, while ulam raja is now RM15 compared with RM10 previously.
“These vegetables have become more expensive due to limited supply during the festive season,” he said.
Meanwhile, trader Taufik Hidayah Abdullah attributed rising prices of certain produce to higher transportation costs linked to fuel prices.
“For limes, the price before Raya was RM6 per kilogramme, but it is now RM10. Okra has increased from RM7 to RM9 per kilogramme.
“The same applies to French beans, which are now RM10 per kilogramme compared with RM8 previously,” he said.
The combined impact of climate conditions and logistical costs continues to place upward pressure on fresh produce prices, raising concerns over affordability as households adjust to post-festive spending. - March 24, 2026
