The Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (Fama) is considering increasing vegetable imports due to the impact of unpredictable weather on production in Cameron Highlands. The region has experienced fungal diseases that have led to a rise in vegetable prices by 20% to 50%, according to Syed Abd Rahman Syed Abd Rashid, chairman of the Cameron Highlands Malay Farmers Association.
Fama's chairman, Aminuddin Zulkipli, announced plans for discussions with local vegetable producers for a detailed assessment of the situation. He mentioned the possibility of augmenting vegetable imports from other countries to ensure market stability should the local supply fall short of demand. Aminuddin highlighted that Malaysia typically imports 10% to 15% of its domestic vegetable supply from countries like China, Indonesia, India, and Thailand, and is prepared to increase this percentage temporarily to stabilize the market.
Additionally, Aminuddin stated that Fama has been instructed to explore all viable measures to counteract any potential decrease in vegetable supply, including sourcing from farms in Selangor and Johor. This comes in response to forecasts predicting that vegetable prices could triple in the following two months due to the northeast monsoon, which is expected to cause heavy rain and flooding, affecting several areas nationwide and already resulting in a price increase of up to 50% for various vegetables.
Source: FMT