The price of some vegetables has jumped by as much as 200 per cent in Malaysia after heavy rains there and flooding in Thailand cut production volumes.
Malaysian newspaper the Star Online quoted Federation of Vegetable Sellers Association president Tan Ban Ben as saying prices would remain high until after Chinese New Year.
“Red chili was initially selling at between MYR4 (US$1.30) and MYR5 per kg prior to the floods in Thailand but is now MYR12 per kg," he said. "The price of cili padi `Bird’s Eye chili` also has risen to MYR12 from MYR4 and MYR5 per kg."
Kuala Lumpur Vegetable Wholesaler's Association president Chong Tek Keong told the newspaper prices were affected nationwide.
“Because of the floods there, we expect Thailand to start buying vegetables from our farmers from next month,” said Mr Chong.
“The prices will go up further until the end of the year as Thailand is now expected to buy vegetables from Malaysia,” he said.
Fruit prices, however, would remain unchanged, the newspaper reported.
