Home Vegetable prices expected to fluctuate due to hot weather
MIRI: The current hot weather is expected to cause the price of vegetables here to fluctuate over the next fortnight.
Miri Planters Association chairman Jong Tze Khiun told The Borneo Post that prices for leafy vegetables are currently set between RM8 and RM10 per kg, while other vegetables such as cucumbers are RM1 cheaper than usual.
“The reason is because some vegetable species take more time to grow, while other types seem to grow very fast. Another reason is the demand and supply.
“We have noticed that there is more demand for certain types of vegetables, while there is less for others. When supply exceeds demand, the price drops and vice versa,” he explained.
He pointed out that very dry and hot weather makes it difficult to grow leafy vegetables.
“When there is no rain, we have to use our water reserve and wet the soil, providing nutrients for the vegetables. We worry that if it persists, the vegetables will not grow at all, resulting in very little to harvest, hence expensive vegetables.
“We are struggling to set the price because consumers tend to not understand and will complain whenever the price is up. It is important to be able to cover our costs and, at the same time, provide a fair price for customers,” said Jong.
He said during the first two weeks of the Movement Control Order (MCO), planters had a hard time selling their produce as markets were closed.
“Things became slightly better after markets reopened. Apart from the markets, planters also supply vegetables to schools. So now the schools remain closed, there is one less avenue for us to supply the vegetables.
“Though restaurants and coffee shops are still operational, they are restricted to only takeaways and the demand has noticeably reduced,” he said.
Jong said although planters are not affected by MCO restrictions, they need to remain cautious and implement the necessary measures to prevent healthrelated issues.
“Our industry is classified as an essential service. So I still have my workers continue to do their work during this time. Work has to be continued as we need to provide supplies to the local community,” he said.
Jong added the MCO has also changed the way planters do business.
“MCO has forced planters to