Vegetable price in Kedah increases, shortage due to CNY

The price of vegetables in Kedah has risen over the past few days due to shortage in supply because of the Chinese New Year festival, as well as uncertain weather. A Bernama survey at the Alor Setar main market found the price of tomatoes had increased from RM3.50 to RM5 a kilogramme while the price of red chillies went up from RM6 to RM10. Vegetable seller Che Rokiah Ahmad, 45, said the price of vegetables increased during the festive season because of the shortage in supply, as well as the current uncertain weather. "Sometimes, the price goes up and down, but during the Chinese New Year festival, the price of vegetables goes up a bit because there is insufficient supply. Even though the price is high, the customers would still buy, but in smaller quantities," she told Bernama here today. Another trader, Rohaini Abdullah, 55, said the high cost of vegetables made her increase her selling price, but it was still affordable to consumers. "When we get a small amount from the wholesalers, we have to pay a higher price. So, whether we like it or not, we have to increase our prices. If we sell at the usual price, we will not get any returns," she said. Buyer, Muhammad Isa Ismail, 63, said the price of most foodstuffs had gone up and was burdening the lower income group who could not buy these items at high prices. "I used to buy foodstuffs in large quantities, but currently only buy them, according to what is needed to reduce expenses," he said. Meanwhile, the price of mackerel went down from RM10 to RM6 per kilogramme, but traders claim that the fish they received was of low grade. Chicken was sold at a higher price at RM7.70 per kilogramme (from RM6.80) while local beef was RM27 (from RM25). According to poultry seller Wan Ahmad Fauzi Wan Ismail, 43, the price of chicken went up by between 30 to 40 sen, depending on the price fixed by wholesalers. "When they increase their prices, we have to follow suit. Especially, since there is insufficient supply because of the festive season, but most consumers prefer to buy chicken as the price of fish is too high," he said.