Wet weather at fault for vegetable prices, says wholesaler president

SHAH ALAM - The wet weather is to be blamed for the vegetable price hikes, says Kuala Lumpur Vegetable Wholesaler’s Association president Wong Keng Fatt.

He said it has be raining for constantly thus effecting fresh produce production line, stating the harvesting process relied heavily on the weather.

"When there are lack of vegetables, the supply is insufficient to meet the market demand.

"The weather is gradually improving and the price of vegetables can be stabilised," he told Sinar Daily.

Commenting on the prices of tomatoes as reported here, Wong said the price of tomatoes was gradually dropping and hopes that people be wise in choosing cheaper vegetable options.

"The price of tomatoes has gradually dropped these days, and the price today is around RM6.

"I also believe that people are wise, when certain vegetables are overpriced, they will choose cheaper vegetables," he said.

When asked on why tomatoes and vegetables prices hiked during Chinese New Year last month, Wong said that this year's festivities were more livelier than previous years that had also led to a shortage of vegetables.

Checks by Sinar Daily here yesterday saw Pasar Modern Sri Muda, Shah Alam, saw traders expressing their discontent with the wholesale prices that forced them to sell vegetables at a high price but only getting a mere profit of 50 sen.

One trader said tomatoes were sold at RM11 per kg during Chinese New Year.