KOTA BARU: The production of various vegetables in the Lojing highlands has been affected by up to 40 per cent due to heavy rains since last month.
At the same time, the extremely cold temperatures, dropping to 7 degrees Celsius at night and 19 degrees Celsius during the day, have hindered and damaged the crops.
Lojing Bumiputera Flower and Vegetable Growers Association deputy chairman Mohd Yusof Abdul Rahman said if the conditions persist, crop yields could be reduced by as much as 70 per cent.
"This situation will indirectly cause an increase in vegetable and fruit prices, as the Lojing Highlands contribute to 60 per cent of the vegetable production in the country," he said.
However, prices in Kelantan and the East Coast states remain stable as they receive vegetable supplies from Thailand.
"It is estimated that more than 80 per cent of the vegetables sold in Kelantan are now imported from our neighbouring country to stabilise prices and meet demand during the monsoon season," he added.
He mentioned that the issue could be addressed by importing vegetables from abroad, particularly from Thailand.
However, he noted that if demand increases, import prices would also rise, though not drastically.
"Previously, the Lojing Highlands produced more than 60,000 tons of vegetables every month, involving 600 operators," he said.
It was reported earlier this month that prices of several types of vegetables were expected to rise by more than 50 per cent until the end of the month due to unpredictable weather conditions caused by the monsoon transition phase.
The country's vegetable production is expected to be impacted by more than 40 per cent by early next year due to the ongoing Northeast Monsoon (MTL).
Cameron Highlands Vegetable Farmers Organisation president Datuk Chai Kok Lim said heavy rainfall and flooding in several states have led to a decrease in vegetable supply.