KUALA LUMPUR: Vegetable prices in the city remain stable despite the anticipated hot and dry weather expected to persist until mid-September.
Ridzuan Rosli, 35, a vegetable vendor at a local farmer's market, said that the prices of his vegetables had not increased.
In fact, he said some prices have decreased compared to last week.
For instance, tomatoes that were RM8 per kilogramme last week have now dropped to RM4 per kilogramme.
"Similarly, the price of water spinach remains steady at RM5 per kilogramme," he told Harian Metro.
Ridzuan said that prices typically rose during prolonged rainy seasons compared to hot weather.
However, he expressed concern that extended hot and dry conditions might affect the supply.
Aizat Anuarahim, 30, another vegetable vendor in Chow Kit, also confirmed stable prices and no supply issues.
Most vegetables he sells are priced below RM5 per kilogramme, including tomatoes, water spinach and carrots.
"Tomatoes range from RM4 to RM4.50 per kilogramme, and water spinach is RM3.50 per kilogramme. Prices are currently stable and even cheaper," said Aizat, who has been in the vegetable business for eight years.
However, he said that continued hot weather could impact vegetable production.
"We hope vegetable prices remain stable so customers can continue to spend more," he added.
Yesterday, the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) reported that low rainfall was expected to continue until the monsoon transition phase, leading to hotter and drier conditions across Malaysia until mid-September.
This is due to the Southwest Monsoon season, expected to persist until September, causing most areas to experience dry weather due to the lack of moisture to produce rain.