Ministry dismisses claims of three- to fourfold vegetable price surge

Ministry dismisses claims of three- to fourfold vegetable price surge

KUALA LUMPUR: The Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry has dismissed claims that vegetable prices have surged by three- to fourfold, saying its nationwide monitoring shows actual increases remain within a controlled and reasonable range despite the impact of floods and the monsoon season.

In a statement, its deputy minister Datuk Dr Fuziah Salleh said daily tracking by the National Price Division found that vegetable prices in the second week of December rose between 0.1 per cent and 68.4 per cent compared to the same period in November.

“Some of the perception of increases of between ‘300 – 400 per cent’ stems from uneven comparisons — either comparing flood-period prices with the lowest prices of the year, or comparing prices across different localities.

“Actual data shows the increases are localised and temporary, consistent with mainstream media reports indicating rises of around 30 to 50 per cent.

“The level of increase varies depending on vegetable type and locality, and no widespread doubling or tripling of prices has been detected.”

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She added that supply disruptions remain minimal and logistics routes are functioning.

“Farms have not been severely damaged, and supply has been restored quickly with assistance from unaffected regions and increased imports to stabilise the market.”

Fuziah said the ministry continues to conduct thorough monitoring through physical inspections at farms, wholesalers and retailers; analysis of daily price data involving 316 essential items; and feedback received through official consumer complaint channels.

The ministry is also working closely with the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry and the Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (Fama).

Fama’s intervention measures include purchasing near-mature produce from affected farmers at reasonable floor prices to protect farmers while ensuring sufficient supply reaches consumers.

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The ministry reiterated that firm action will be taken against traders who impose unreasonable price increases or engage in profiteering.

Enforcement teams nationwide have been instructed to step up inspections and issue notices requiring price justification when necessary.

Fuziah also encouraged consumers to use the PriceCatcher application to compare prices and lodge official complaints if they encounter suspected profiteering.