The vegetable harvest in Malaysia is expected to drop during the monsoon season, causing a spike in prices.
Heavy rain inundates Malaysia from November to January, often flooding the eastern and northern states in Peninsular Malaysia, and is accompanied by strong winds at sea. Penang, Perak and Kedah states were hit by flooding last week.
The Cameron Highlands Malay Farmers Association chairman,Syed Abdul Rahman Syed Abdul Rashid, said he is expecting a 20 per cent to 25 per cent drop in the harvest of vegetables during the rainy season.
He said the rain could also cause vegetables to be affected by fungal growth or bacterial diseases.
He said tomatoes are expected to cost RM4 (US$0.96) per kg from RM3 (US$0.72), while cabbage will go up from RM1.20 to RM2.
Still, the prices of vegetables in Singapore are unlikely to be affected by the monsoon, said trade groups.
Mr Tay Khiam Back, chairman of the Singapore Fruits and Vegetables Importers and Exporters Association, said at present, it does not look like prices will be affected as there has not been much change to the supply volume.
He added, however, that it might be too early to tell for sure.
1 Malaysian Ringgit = 0.240142 USD
Source: straitstimes.com
