MELAKA: A welcome drop in mandarin orange prices ahead of the Lunar New Year has lifted festive spirits across the historic city, allowing more families to share in a tradition long associated with prosperity and goodwill, says Allex Seah Shoo Chin
The Melaka entrepreneur, cooperative development and consumer affairs committee chairman said the lower prices were largely driven by the strengthening ringgit, which recently reached a seven-year high against the US dollar.
“I have checked with the local fruit wholesalers and was told the prices of the fruit had dropped drastically compared to last year.
“The lower price means everyone can have a share of the bumper crop,” he told The Star on Friday (Feb 6).
Seah said the seasonal fruit, a staple of Chinese New Year traditions, is widely exchanged among family members, friends and business associates as a gesture of goodwill.
"In Chinese culture, the bright orange colour symbolises prosperity, making it an essential offering during the festive period," he added.
Seah said the more affordable prices this year have encouraged stronger consumer spending, with shoppers purchasing the fruit not only for household consumption but also as gifts for those celebrating the "Year of the Horse".
Beyond the fruit markets, he said the festive preparations are also gaining momentum through community-focused initiatives.
Seah said that a "Rahmah Bazaar" in conjunction with the Lunar New Year would be held at Lorong Pandan starting Feb 10, offering essential items at discounts ranging from 10% to 30%.
He said the stalls at the bazaar would operate daily from noon until 8pm throughout the festive period, providing residents with more affordable options as they make final preparations for reunion dinners and open-house gatherings.
Seah also noted that this year’s state-level Chinese New Year celebration would take place in the Klebang constituency, reflecting ongoing efforts to bring festive programmes closer to local communities.
