Seasonal favourite: Stocks of mandarin oranges being arranged at a fruit wholesale market near Pasar Borong Selayang. — AZMAN GHANI/The Star
Fruit production strong, supply assured for CNY
PETALING JAYA: A good harvest in key producing areas is expected to keep mandarin orange supply steady and prices stable for Chinese New Year in February, say industry leaders.
They said this is despite shipment delays that affected earlier arrivals for the Winter Solstice celebrations.
Kuala Lumpur Fruits Wholesalers Association president Chin Nyuk Moi said production, particularly for lokam, is strong and should support an ample supply for the festive period.
“This year is considered a good harvest, especially for Yongchun lokam.
“Supply should be sufficient and prices are unlikely to rise as volumes are large,” she said in an interview.
Chin said traders have placed orders for about 1,500 containers of lokam, noting that supply for February is not a concern.
She acknowledged that earlier shipments were delayed by port congestion following a typhoon in China, but said attention has now shifted to ensuring smoother arrivals for the upcoming Chinese New Year shipments.
“We hope there will be no similar congestion for the next round of shipments,” she said.
Chin said that demand typically picks up closer to the festive period.
“January is the back-to-school season, and corporate purchases usually begin about two weeks before Chinese New Year.
“The market becomes more active towards late January,” she added.
Malaysian Vegetable Importers Association chairman Datuk Seri Teh Meng Huat said the market outlook remains difficult to assess due to ongoing logistics and clearance challenges.
He said typhoon-related delays, coupled with Malaysia’s increasing reliance on online-based customs clearance systems, have slowed cargo release.
“Clearance is now mostly done through online systems. Importers cannot physically approach officers, so if something is missed, the cargo can get stuck,” he said.
While the Customs Department operates 24 hours, he said other inspection agencies, such as health and agriculture departments, would run according to office hours.
This could cause delays during weekends and public holidays, he said.
Despite this, Teh said supply should not be a major issue as Chinese New Year falls in February, giving importers more time to bring in stock.
On prices, he said the main uncertainty lies in freight costs, which can fluctuate due to global market conditions.
“Shipping rates can change weekly and are beyond our control,” he said, adding that sharp increases would eventually affect costs.
Teh also called for stronger policy support to protect local farmers and stabilise the agricultural market, warning that inconsistent import volumes could hurt both producers and consumers.
“If the market is stable, everyone knows roughly how much is coming in,” he said.
“This prevents oversupply and shortages, and helps keep prices more consistent for consumers.”
At the production end, Malaysian Fruit Farmers Association deputy president Alvin Loh said imports of mandarin oranges from China are expected to remain stable next year, adding that prices will depend on market supply and demand.
“Earlier this year, prices were higher due to lower production and stricter regulations. It won’t be the same next year,” he said.
