A poor harvest, increase in garlic farmers' wages, the deprecation of the ringgit and a greater demand have all contributed to the price of garlic sky-rocketing in Malaysia.
According to a report in China Press, the prices of shelled garlic are going for RM12 and above for a kg in the Klang Valley, more than double its prices of RM4-5 a kg two years ago.
Malaysian Foodstuff Import and Export Association president Datuk Seri Alex Chuah Poh Kiang pointed out that Malaysia imports 7,000 to 8,000 tonnes of garlic a month from China.
He said this is one reason why the goods are pricier now.
"We are 100% dependent on China for garlic import. And garlic, like our durians, is seasonal, i.e. it is harvested once a year, and can be stored for up to two years."
Chuah disclosed that at present, not only Asian countries are buying garlic from China: almost all the countries around the world are sourcing the flavoured vegetable from China.
A drop in production due to unfavourable weather and bigger demand by buyers worldwide have prompted garlic traders in China to jack up the prices, he said.
(1 Malaysian Ringgit=0.23 USD)
Read more at www.thesundaily.my/news/2071586