Prices in Johor to increase if rain continues in next two weeks

JOHOR BARU: Prices of vegetables in Johor will increase if the heavy downpour continues over the next two weeks.

Vegetable seller Khairul Moha­mad, 39, said leafy vegetables such as bayam, kangkung, kailan and sawi would be affected due to the ongoing heavy rainfalls.

“Many vegetable traders who depend on suppliers will likely increase their prices as a result.

“But my employer has his own vegetable farm in Kempas where all our produce are planted.

“We do not depend on suppliers, so this helps to keep our prices affordable to consumers,” he said when met at a hypermarket in Tampoi here.

Another vegetable trader, K. Ragu, 36, said his supplies had not been affected yet despite Johor experiencing heavy rainfall in the last couple of days.

He said currently, leafy vegetables were sold at RM2 for three bundles but the prices might increase, depending on the weather.

Housewife Mariana Abdullah, 54, said rain was just an excuse, adding that prices of vegetables would still go up, regardless of the weather.

“During the rainy season, the price will increase. Even if there is a dry spell, the price will also go up.

“We still need to eat but if the price becomes too expensive, then I will buy less,” she said.

Johor Consumers Movement Association president Md Salleh Sadijo urged the authorities such as Federal Agriculture Marketing Agen­cy and Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry to help protect both consumers and sellers.

“Prices of vegetables are influenced by supply and demand. During bad weather, vegetable supply will be affected and this will cause prices to surge.

“Both agencies should monitor closely and find a proper solution to ensure prices of vegetables remain affordable to the people,” he said.