Everyday foods that could see price increases in the next weeks

SHAH ALAM - Food may still be available in Malaysia, but several everyday items could soon become more expensive as rising input costs and global supply disruptions begin to ripple through the food system.

Experts say the pressure is already building upstream, with delays in fertiliser, higher transport costs, and reliance on imported inputs expected to drive price increases in the coming weeks.

With harvest periods of just 20 to 40 days, any disruption to fertiliser supply or increase in input costs can quickly affect output. - Canva

Here’s a look at some key food items likely to be affected:

Chicken and eggs


Chicken and eggs, staples in most Malaysian households, are among the most vulnerable to price hikes. Local poultry production relies heavily on imported animal feed such as corn and soybean meal.

“Any delay or increase in freight costs will directly raise livestock production costs, affecting prices of chicken and eggs,” said Cameron Highlands Vegetable Growers Association deputy president Lau Weng Soow.

As feed costs rise, producers may pass these increases on to consumers, making chicken and eggs one of the first items to feel the impact.

Leafy vegetables (choy sum, lettuce, spinach)


Leafy greens could see price changes quickly due to their short growing cycles of just 20 to 40 days. Any disruption to fertiliser supply or rise in input costs can rapidly affect output.

“These will be impacted the fastest and most directly,” Lau said, noting that farmers may reduce fertiliser use or cut back on planting altogether. The result could be tighter supply and potential price spikes within weeks.

Tomatoes, chillies and cucumbers


Fruit vegetables such as tomatoes, chillies and cucumbers are also at risk because they require significant fertiliser input.

“Reduced application of fertilisers and agrochemicals will result in lower yields and inconsistent quality,” Lau explained. This could translate into higher prices and less consistent supply at markets.

Bread and other flour-based products


Bread, noodles and other flour-based foods may become more expensive, as Malaysia relies almost entirely on imported wheat. Any disruption to global shipping or increases in logistics costs can quickly tighten supply.

“Shipping disruptions will lead to tighter supply and higher costs,” Lau said, noting that these additional expenses are likely to be passed down the supply chain.

Cooking oils (selected imported sources)


While Malaysia is a major producer of palm oil, parts of the edible oil supply chain still depend on imports. Disruptions to shipping routes and rising freight costs could affect certain imported oil products, adding further pressure to food prices, particularly for processed and packaged goods.

Rice (longer-term risk)


Rice is less likely to see immediate price changes, as it is a medium-cycle crop. However, prolonged fertiliser shortages or rising input costs over multiple planting cycles could pose a more serious threat to national food security.

“As a medium-cycle crop, short-term impact is less immediate,” Lau said, “but persistent disruptions could eventually affect production and prices.”

Agricultural economist Professor Datuk Dr Mad Nasir Shamsudin said the bigger issue may not be supply, but affordability.

“Food may still be available in markets, but higher prices could reduce economic access to food, particularly for lower-income households,” he said.

Rising energy prices are a key driver, pushing up costs across the entire food production chain, from fertiliser manufacturing to transportation.

A critical window ahead


While there is no immediate shortage, experts warn that rising costs are already affecting farmers’ decisions, from reducing fertiliser use to delaying planting.

If left unaddressed, this could lead to tighter supply and more noticeable price increases in the coming weeks to months. For now, consumers may not see empty shelves, but they could soon feel the impact at the checkout.