GEORGE TOWN: The Consumers' Association of Penang (CAP) is deeply concerned about the rapid increase in the price of coconuts sold in Penang markets.
CAP's market survey showed that the price of coconuts had gradually risen from RM2 to RM2.50, with larger coconuts selling at RM3.30 each.
CAP president Mohideen Abdul Kader said the increase in coconut prices had also led to higher prices for coconut milk, which had gone up from RM12 to RM14 and even to RM15 per kg, and the price of grated coconut had also increased from RM8 to RM11 per kg.
"Traders claimed that the problem began when the supply from other countries stopped coming in.
"They also reported that many grocers and public markets have been struggling to secure supplies for the past two weeks, raising concerns about a potential shortage in the future," he said today.
As such, Mohideen said CAP urged the Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (Fama) and the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry to conduct an immediate investigation into the price hike and supply shortage.
"This is to determine if the price increase is justified," he added.