Importing blooms to meet demand

Lim showing some of the blooms that he imported for Mothers Day from China.

JOHOR BARU: Buying flowers this Mothers Day may cost more than expected as flower shopowners here are facing difficulties in getting supplies.

Due to the current shortage, shop operators have opted to import flowers from other countries, especially China and India.

Maple Flora Enterprise managing director Isaac Lim said that he used to order flowers from Cameron Highland but has turned to China and South Africa for supplies in conjunction with Mothers Day this Sunday.

He said that although importing flowers may increase cost, he decided to go ahead with it as foreign suppliers not only can meet demand but also because the blooms are more beautiful.

“The imported carnations, which are most popular during Mothers Day, are almost twice as big as the local ones.

“This is why I am willing to order them at a higher cost.

“At the end of the day, it is not such a big waste for me as I also sell the flowers wholesale to other flower business operators,” he said.

Another flower shopowner, Rina Lee, said that prices for Mothers Day bouquets have increased by some 20% compared to last year due to import cost and the weaker ringgit.

“I have ordered carnations, roses and tulips from China and India to cater to demand for this Mothers Day.

“Local suppliers have been blaming the hot weather for the shortage, and which has become a growing problem since early this year,” she said, adding that prices of bouquets start from RM100 depending on the design.

She added that despite the price hike, customers were still willing to spend on fresh flower bouquets to put a smile on their mothers' face.

“Fresh flower bouquets are a classic gift for mothers,” she said, adding that online orders were high since the beginning of the month.