KUALA LUMPUR – The monsoon weather as well as the exchange rate are among reasons for skyrocketing vegetable prices, the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry said.
The rainy weather has caused a lack of supply, while other reasons include input costs such as fertilisers, seeds and pesticides, the ministry’s director-general of enforcement Datuk Azman Adam said in a statement.
Another factor is the costs involved in producing countries for vegetables that are imported, which in turn impact prices in the local market.
“The price increase is also, to some extent, affected by currency exchange rates, shipping costs, and more,” Azman said.
These reasons were found from preliminary investigations into consumers’ complaints about vegetable prices that are the highest ever seen according to some, he said.
Azman said the ministry has launched Ops Pasar in response to consumers’ complaints.
He said 2,200 enforcement officers are mobilised everyday to conduct price checks at premises across the country that sell vegetables.
These include markets, grocery stores, supermarkets, whether in urban or rural areas.
He said Ops Pasar is being re-focused to monitor the increase in vegetable prices from its previous monitoring on essential food items for festivals.
“Inspections and monitoring will take into account the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011,” he said, adding that legal action will be taken against any party found to be profiting excessively.
Recently, the Consumer Association of Penang said that the prices of certain vegetables had gone up by as much as 160%.
Vendors, in a survey by The Vibes, said prices were the highest they had seen in 29 years.
The current price increase is seeing tomatoes sold for RM16 per kg now, and ladies’ fingers at RM16 per kg from RM6 previously. Consumers also said they are spending more on fresh produce. – The Vibes, February 5, 2023
