In recent weeks, several states across Malaysia have been enduring torrential rain lashing down on them, which has triggered massive flooding as a result.
Aside from the hundreds of people forced to leave their homes, the bad weather has also taken a toll on farms too, which have sustained substantial damage caused by the floods.
Farms damaged by floods cause vegetable prices to soar by 50-80%
According to a report by NST, the floods in Johor, Melaka, Perak, Kelantan, and Terengganu have damaged over 100 hectares of farmland, causing vegetable prices to skyrocket by a staggering 50-80%.
Speaking to the English daily, Malaysian Federation of Vegetable Farmers Association president Lim Ser Kwee said due to the extensive damaged caused to farmland at these five states, it has led to a supply shortage and increased prices.
The floods this time around were severe, over 100 hectares of farmland were inundated. On top of that, the situation was further exacerbated by flooding in Thailand, which has affected imports.
“Now, the farmers are waiting for the floodwaters to recede before they can replant — a process that can take months,” he said.
Lim also raised concern over the second round of flooding to hit the country, which was highlighted by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who warned that it’s expected to come between Dec 8 and 14 and will affect Johor and Pahang.
Echoing Lim’s sentiments was vegetable trader Wan Baharuddin Ahmad, who noted that vegetable prices have been climbing for the past two weeks.
He added that the supply of vegetables such as sawi, bayam, and kangkung have decreased sharply.
“Now, these vegetables sell for RM8 per kg, compared to RM3.50 per kg previously. Tomatoes and lady’s fingers have increased to RM8 and RM9.50 per kg, from RM4 and RM6.50 per kg respectively.
“As for red peppers, they have climbed to RM22 per kg from RM14 per kg,” he said, adding that suppliers have warned the situation could last until early 2025.
Read more stories about the floods here:
