In the lead-up to Chinese New Year, Penang's wet markets have seen a notable increase in vegetable prices, particularly affecting produce from Cameron Highlands, including tomatoes, romaine lettuce, xiao pai chye, ladies' fingers, and Chinese parsley. Reports from Taman Tun Sardon, Jelutong, Batu Lanchang, and Pulau Tikus markets indicate a significant rise in tomato prices, climbing from $0.85 to $2.15 per kilogram. Similarly, the cost of ladies' fingers, Chinese parsley, romaine lettuce, and xiao pai chye has surged from $1.70 to ranges between $2.55 and $5.35 per kilogram.
Market traders, including Dinesh Kumar from Batu Lanchang market, point out that this price inflation is notably affecting local vegetables from Cameron Highlands, with no immediate signs of a reduction. While imported vegetable prices from China remain stable, the local vegetable market faces higher costs. Kumar notes that the tomato price hike is particularly persistent, attributing it to the vegetable's high demand across various culinary uses. Despite these increases, the price of curry leaves has stayed steady at $0.22 per bunch, with some vendors offering them for free to regular customers.
The price hikes in Cameron Highlands' produce are attributed to adverse weather conditions, with excessive rainfall reducing output and consequently pushing prices up, as reported by a trader from Pulau Tikus market.
Source: Malay Mail