Price hike for vegetables in Sibu is marginal due to ample supply.
The Chinese community in Sibu, Sarawak can heave a sigh of relief as despite the wet weather, prices of vegetables are relatively stable.
Sibu Vegetable Planters Association advisor Kong Hua Kuong said people could celebrate the lunar new year without worrying over exorbitant vegetable prices.
Kong said it was true that the prices for all types of vegetables in Sibu had gone up slightly because of the current rainy season but the quantum was minimal; at about 50sen per bunch.
“This is because there are more people planting vegetables now than previously,” he said.
For instance, he added, they were paying RM7 per kg of vegetables to their suppliers and selling at between RM9 to RM10 per kg.
“The prices fluctuate by about 50sen depending on the weather.
“During good weather, with ample supply, vegetable prices will drop by 50sen,” he said.
He added that vegetables such as angle gourd, ladies’ fingers, long bean and cucumber were the ones most affected by bad weather.
Kong is expecting restaurants to enjoy better business now that people can dine in during the Chinese New Year celebrations.
“Our business is also highly dependent on restaurants.
“If their business is good, it will also benefit us as restaurant operators buy vegetables from us,” he added.
