GEORGE TOWN – Consumers have been urged to start the new year with fresh earthly zest by upholding a resolution to grow their own greens and check the rising tide of living costs.
The Consumers’ Association of Penang (CAP) hopes that in the New Year, the majority of consumers will uphold a pledge to reduce food prices by growing their own greens.
The civil society organisation cautioned that the tendency to rely on food imports has contributed to nationwide inflation, with one prime example being curry leaves.
According to its education officer N.V. Subbarow, the leaves used to be almost free but now a kilogramme fetches between RM12 and RM15.
“Next time when we visit a restaurant, don’t expect curry leaves in our curry or other Indian food items. It has become costlier,” said Subbarow in an interview.
A survey by CAP recently found a small amount of curry leaves tied in a rubber band sold for between 50 sen to RM1. It used to be of zero cost to restaurateurs before, said Subbarow.
Even coconut sellers who sell coconut milk do not give any more curry leaves as gifts when consumers purchase their coconuts, he claimed. “They say that it has become more expensive than gold.”
CAP urged consumers, especially housewives, to grow their own curry leaves – which can easily be cultivated – and help the authorities bring down the cost of greens.
If anyone does not know how to grow their own vegetables, CAP offers free classes on growing greens, Subbarow said.
Residential communities could also share a common plot in the neighbourhood and distribute the items among themselves as part of the typical Malaysian friendly culture, he added. – The Vibes, January 1, 2023
