Costly mandarin oranges due to poor harvest

SIBU: Mandarin oranges are costly this Chinese New Year due to poor harvest in China, but Sibu Grocery Dealers Association chairman Yeo Keng Teck says the fruit this year is cheaper than that of last year.

“However, there is a slight increase in the price this year especially the bigger oranges due to the drop in supply (harvest).

“Fortunately, our ringgit is stronger against the US dollar to cushion the impact,” he told reporters here recently.

Yeo, who is also the Chinese Section secretary of Sibu Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCCI), said mandarin oranges were costlier last year due to strong US currency.

“If I am not mistaken, the exchange rate for US$ against ringgit was around 4.30 about this time last year. However, just two weeks ago the rate was about 3.90 to the dollar.”

Yeo said he imported lesser quantity of mandarin orange this year compared to last year, adding that his wholesaler friends too have reduced their imports of the fruit.

“I myself don’t dare order bigger quantity this year looking at the people’s purchasing power. In fact, I am not ordering the bigger mandarin oranges at all to be safe.

“After Chinese New Year, there will be no more demand for the oranges.”

Touching on the market outlook, he figured that people’s purchasing power does not appear strong this year.

He reasoned that parents had just spent on school items such as books, shoes and uniform and would need to wait for bonus if any to prepare for the festive celebration.

“In Sarawak, Sibu in particular, it will again be last minute shopping for most people,” he said.