LETTER | The Consumers' Association of Penang urges the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living, along with the Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (Fama), to take immediate action to address the price hike of locally grown vegetables and fruits, as a recent survey revealed a drastic price increase within a span of just two weeks.

The price of beans has surged from RM9 to RM17.50 per kg, ladies' fingers from RM7 to RM12.50, long beans from RM8 to RM20, and sawi from RM6 to RM12 and red chilli from RM8 to RM18.

This sharp increase has been attributed to a shortage of these items caused by the recent rainy spell. Traders have been warned that the price of vegetables and fruits could rise even further. Since the rainy season has not yet eased, Malaysia should halt the export of fish and vegetables to other countries and prioritise local demand until the rainy season is over.

CAP also calls on the ministry enforcement unit to investigate the sharp rise in prices, which has caused significant hardship for the poor and low-income groups. Rising prices can seriously impact the diet of low-income households as they may be forced to cut back on essential food items due to higher costs.

Despite repeated calls for action, CAP finds that Fama is not taking sufficient and effective steps to control the marketing and distribution of vegetables. Our demands have fallen on deaf ears.

CAP urges the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry to improve the efficiency of food distribution channels. Reducing the role of middlemen, creating direct market links, and improving supply chains could all help lower costs. The government should also support farmers through targeted subsidies, agroecology training programmes, and financial assistance, which could significantly boost production and help reduce prices.

MOHIDEEN ABDUL KADER is CAP president.

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