KUALA LUMPUR: Vegetables are among the essential goods at risk of price increases ahead of Ramadan early next month.
Kedah Consumer Association (Cake) president Yusrizal Yusoff said the price hike is due to ongoing hot weather, in addition to high demand during Ramadan.
"Other factors include limited supply, as well as rising transportation and labour costs. Furthermore, some parties may take advantage of the high demand by increasing their prices.
"The authorities need to take action against those who arbitrarily raise prices by enforcing the anti-profiteering act.
"Additionally, reintroducing price controls and price ceilings for essential goods for consumers during Ramadan would be helpful," he said, also predicting that wet goods like fish and chicken would also see a price increase.
Federation of Malaysian Consumer Associations (Fomca) deputy secretary-general Nur Asyikin Aminuddin, shared the same view, anticipating a rise in vegetable prices.
"It is influenced by weather factors and natural disasters. Even coconut milk is expected to increase in price ahead of Ramadan.
"For coconut milk, it could be due to high demand, but insufficient supply to meet the demand, will contribute to the price hike," she said.
She also advised consumers to switch choices if coconut milk and vegetables see a significant price increase.
"Use the Price Catcher app to compare prices at nearby supermarkets and grocery stores," she suggested.
Pertubuhan Mesra Pengguna Malaysia deputy president Azlin Othman also predicted a rise in vegetable prices, especially in the states affected by floods.
"Factors contributing to the price increase include higher production costs, inflation, demand and supply, and supply chain disruptions.
"To help consumers cope with price hikes, consumers themselves must be frugal and spend based on necessity.
"Buying goods in bulk according to their shelf life, making a shopping list before going to the supermarket to avoid unnecessary purchases, reducing dining out, and adopting a healthy lifestyle also helps," she added.
