The increase in prices of vegetables is only temporary and will stabilise once weather conditions improve, said Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu.

He said the hike would subside once supply from imported sources ease pressure on the domestic supply.

In response to queries from the New Straits Times, Mohamad said based on reports he received from the Agriculture Department and the Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (Fama), several types of vegetables had
been affected by the weather, impacting retail prices for consumers.

He said fruit-bearing vegetables were the most affected by climate change as weather conditions influenced the flowering and fruit formation processes.

"Persistent cloudy weather has hindered photosynthesis, affecting plant growth and yields.

"Heavy rainfall also impacts flower durability and
fruit production.

"Green beans, in particular, have seen a significant price increase of 18 per cent. The price of high-altitude tomatoes have also risen to RM7.50 per kg, compared with the previous average price of RM5 per kg.

"However, this price increase is temporary and is expected to stabilise once weather conditions improve."

The ministry, he added, was assisting farmers affected by the recent floods by allocating funds under the Agricultural Food Recovery Project Fund to support those who had suffered losses, especially during the monsoon season.

For medium- and long-term strategies, Mohamad said the ministry would address the issue through the implementation of policies and the use of modern technologies.

These include developing a high-precision weather forecasting system to support the agricultural sector, adapting crop production technologies to address climate change, and developing and utilising climate-resistant crop varieties.

Mohamad said the ministry also aimed to reduce post-harvest losses to ensure maximum yields reached consumers, thereby minimising waste in the production and marketing chains.

"During this period, consumers are advised to choose alternative vegetables as substitutes for affected vegetables. 

"The ministry will continue to monitor the situation and take appropriate action to ensure that the supply remains sufficient and vegetable prices do not become a burden to consumers."

On Sunday, it was reported that the prices of several types of vegetables were expected to rise by more than 50 per cent until the end of the month due to unpredictable weather conditions caused by the monsoon transition phase.

Cameron Highlands Vegetable Farmers Organisation president Datuk Chai Kok Lim has said heavy rainfall and flooding in several states have led to a decrease in vegetable supply.

https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2024/12/1146112/vegetable-price-hike-temporary