KOTA KINABALU – Sabahans are suffering under the weight of price increases in vegetables, poultry, and construction materials, with the state’s economic problems further compounded by the 8.8% unemployment rate – the highest in the country.
Local traders said vegetable prices have shot up by 30%, burdening many households here that are already finding it hard to make ends meet.
Farmer Sharizal Denci said the prices of vegetables have increased threefold since two months ago – noting that, among others, recent weather changes had caused a supply issue.
During the monsoon and flood season, many farmers will see their crops affected or destroyed. Despite all of these problems, there is no active action done to assist troubled farmers and local breeders.
“When we do not have data, it is hard to determine the food security situation in Sabah. I feel the state Agriculture (and Fishery) Ministry does not have conclusive data, at present.
“The existing stuff they are doing is just cosmetic. They are not able to resolve issues faced by those on the ground.”
Earlier, it was reported that there has been an increase in fertiliser and animal feed prices in the state.
Vegetable sellers at Kota Kinabalu General Market said there has been a gradual increase in local vegetable prices over the past month, as well as a shortage of Japanese cucumbers, celeries, cauliflowers, and broccolis.
Depending on imports
Merchant Fatimah Ahmad said the shortage of these vegetables had forced sellers to depend on imports that come from China.
“Because of the lockdown and reduction of shipments, wholesale prices have increased over RM100 per basket (around 11kg per basket). It used to be only RM60-RM80 per basket.”
Fellow trader Diana Darin said following the shortage issue that happened about two months ago, the prices of tomatoes, cucumbers, choy sum, and mushrooms have increased around 30%.
“Our transporters told us there’s quite a shortage of vegetables in Ranau, and farmers had also raised their prices from the usual. They said it’s because of the recent bad weather on the west coast.”
Meanwhile, construction industry stakeholders found that cement, steel bars, and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipes have gotten at least 15% more expensive.
Sabah Housing and Real Estate Developers Association president Datuk Chua Soon Ping alleged that a 45% increase in cement prices by producer Cement Industries Sdn Bhd could push up property prices by 15%.
Cement plays a vital part in finishing mortar, cement board, plastered wall, and floor rendering. It will cause multiplier effects to other building materials associated with cement.”
Chua added that prices of copper wire, PVC pipes, and logistic costs have seen a 20%-30% spike.
Property prices in Sabah – especially in Kota Kinabalu – are already considered high, with many locals unable to afford housing there.
The Vibes has reached out to the state Domestic Trade, Cooperatives, and Consumerism Ministry, but most officers could not comment on the matter.
“I can’t give you immediate feedback. (I will) need to check with my team on our price monitoring in the last few weeks or months before making a comparison,” an officer said. – The Vibes, November 27, 2021
