PETALING JAYA: Vegetable supply for Ramadan and the Hari Raya period is expected to remain generally stable, although a recent dry spell in Johor could result in shortages of some locally grown produce.
Cameron Highlands Vegetable Growers Association deputy president Lau Weng Soow said prices are currently low and supply is ample, thanks to favourable weather in the highlands.
“Over the past month, Cameron Highlands has seen frequent rain with occasional sunny spells. The current conditions are ideal for planting, so vegetable prices are low and supply has not been affected,” he said.
Lau said demand typically reduces during the fasting month.
“During the fasting period, people buy fewer vegetables,” he said when contacted.
Lau added that vegetables commonly consumed during Ramadan and Hari Raya – including spinach (bayam), water spinach (kangkung), cabbage, red chilli, cucumber, spring onion and local celery (daun sup) – are currently in sufficient supply.
Cameron Highlands supplies about 50% of the nation’s vegetables, while Johor contributes roughly 30%.
On imported produce, Malaysian Vegetable Importers Association member Tee Liang Kwok said supply for the festive season is also sufficient, supported by strong harvests in supplying countries.
“Vegetables commonly used during Ramadan and Hari Raya, especially for sauces, such as onions, ginger and chillies, are in adequate supply,” he said.
Tee said prices this year are about 30% lower than last year.
“Global production is high and prices have come down. Compared with last year, supply and output are sufficient and we are importing according to market demand,” he said.
However, growers in Johor are facing a tougher situation after about a month of dry weather, which caused water levels in key reservoirs such as Gunung Pulai to drop to critical levels, triggering 36-hour water rationing in districts including Kluang and Pontian.
Federation of Vegetable Farmers Associations president Lim Ser Kwee said the prolonged dry spell had discouraged many farmers from planting.
“The drought was severe and many farmers did not dare to plant. Only after continuous rain over the past three days have farmers started sowing again to prepare for Hari Raya demand,” he said.
Lim expects a shortage of certain local vegetables, particularly long beans, in the coming months.
“Fortunately, weather conditions were favourable before Chinese New Year, so supplies for that festive period were not affected,” he said.
Lim cautioned, however, that crops planted now may not be ready in time for Hari Raya.
“Although we have begun planting for Hari Raya, it may be too late to harvest in time.
“Cucumbers take about 33 days and long beans 50 days while water spinach takes about 20 days,” he added.
