PUTRAJAYA – Onion prices in the country have stabilised, with sufficient supply to last until August.
Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi confirmed this after a visit to a wholesaler in Klang today.
Nanta said among others, the inspection also aims to ensure that onion supply is enough to meet demands during the movement control order and the upcoming Chinese New Year period.
“During the visit to the wholesaler, the ministry is informed that supply of onions has stabilised and is enough for consumers until August.”
He said this is because India, being the main exporter to Malaysia, has recovered from recent flooding and begun exporting its onions again.
“Malaysia has been largely impacted by India’s move to prohibit the export of all types of onions to meet domestic needs following floods there.”
He said Malaysia imported 489,297 metric tonnes (m/t) of onions last year from 24 countries, namely India (31%), Pakistan (24%), China (22%), Holland (10%), Thailand (6%), New Zealand (3%), and other countries (4%).
He added that the country imported the most from India, totalling 152,519 m/t, as its onions are generally preferred by Malaysians.
Malaysia imports eight types of onions – the big onion from India, small red onion (India), small red rose onion (India), red onion (China), small red onion (China), small red onion (Myanmar), small red onion (Thailand) and big yellow onion (Holland).
Nanta said the decision to source the produce from various countries is part of a bigger strategy to ensure supply remains sufficient should one of the export countries face problems, such as drought, floods, earthquakes and landslides, which can affect prices. – Bernama, January 26, 2021
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