Ministry of Internal Trade and Consumer Affairs Says Vegetable Prices in Melaka Rise 50% | Malaysia

MELAKA, November 26 – Vegetable prices in Melaka have been found to have increased by up to 50% in supermarket chains, markets and grocery stores due to several factors including extreme cold in the country of origin as well as increased transportation costs.

Norena Jaafar, director of the Ministry of Internal Trade and Consumption of Melaka (KPDNHEP), said the situation has led to a drop in the supply of imported vegetables by up to 60% at present.

She said the price increase was for imported vegetables such as broccoli, red pepper, choy sum (sawi) and cabbage, and the price increase in supermarkets was due to the price hike in the supply chain.

“Almost 80% of the supply comes from other states and 100% of vegetable growers are not from Melaka, most of which come from Selangor, Pahang, Johor and Negri Sembilan, another factor in the price hike.

“The reopening of all trade sectors since October has indirectly caused a surge in demand for vegetables,” she said in a statement here today.

Norena said, however, that the overall supply of vegetables in Melaka was sufficient and there was no shortage.

She said that although there have been no complaints so far about the increase in vegetable prices in the state, additional monitoring and investigations are underway at all levels to ensure an adequate supply. and reasonable prices.

Meanwhile, she said there was a shortage of packaged cooking oil in the state as there were wholesalers and retailers who had not renewed their licenses to sell cooking oil, thus disrupting distribution.

“We will be holding a meeting with all cooking oil licensees in the state next week to ensure that the distribution shortage can be resolved and allow consumers to purchase subsidized packaged cooking oil on the market. Marlet.

“Therefore, KPDNHEP Melaka reminds all traders to always abide by the rules and regulations established by the government to ensure the sustainability of commerce in the state,” she said.

She also urged consumers to become the eyes and ears of KPDNHEP by reporting any trade-related misconduct, as well as other consumer issues.

She said any request or complaint could be directed to the KPDNHEP Melaka Law Enforcement Command Center (ECC) at 06-2345869, which operates daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., and via WhatsApp at 019-279. 4317. – Bernama