JOHOR BARU: Vegetable prices have increased by 50 to 80 per cent after floods affected over 100 hectares of farmland in five states.
Malaysian Federation of Vegetable Farmers Association president Lim Ser Kwee said vegetable farms in Johor, Melaka, Perak, Kelantan, and Terengganu were damaged by the floods, resulting in a shortage of supply and increased prices.
"The floods this time around were severe, over 100 hectares of farmland were inundated," he said.
He added that the situation was worsened by floods in neighbouring Thailand, which affected imports.
"Farmers are now waiting for floodwaters to subside before replanting can begin," he said, adding that this could take a couple of months.
Lim expressed concern about the possibility of a second wave of flooding.
Yesterday, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the second wave of floods is expected between Dec 8 and 14, particularly affecting Johor and Pahang.
Meanwhile, vegetable trader Wan Baharuddin Ahmad said prices have been rising over the past two weeks.
He noted that the supply of vegetables, including sawi, bayam, and kangkung, from wholesalers has dropped.
"Our suppliers have told us the situation could last until early next year," he said.
He added that sawi, bayam, and kangkung now sell for RM8 per kg, compared to RM3.50 per kg previously.
"Prices for tomatoes and lady's fingers have increased to RM8 and RM9.50 per kg, from RM4 and RM6.50 per kg respectively."
The price of red peppers has also surged to RM22 per kg from RM14 per kg.