GEORGE TOWN: Prices of seafood and vegetables in the wet markets have remained stable despite the thunderstorms and adverse weather conditions experienced last week.
Although fishermen faced a notable decline in catches, the overall impact on prices has been mitigated by reduced demand.
Fishmonger Jordan Tan, 30, said there was a 40% drop in supply from inshore fishermen because it was too dangerous to go out to sea during the windy conditions.
“Prawns and various types of fish are in shorter supply as many fishermen are waiting for improved weather conditions.
“However, with the continuous rain, fewer customers are coming out, and this has helped balance the reduced supply,” said Tan who sells fish and other sea produce at Cecil Street Market.
Another fishmonger Chng Beng Khoon, 38, shared a similar situation with a 30% decrease in supply from places like Teluk Kumbar, Teluk Bahang, Kuala Kurau and Tanjung Piandang.
“Luckily, I still have stock and the storms cleared up within a week.
“Fishermen are now returning to the sea, so we did not face any significant shortages or price increase,” he said.
While local vegetable prices remained unaffected, traders say there were price hikes in imported vegetables from Thailand and China, which were hit by severe flooding.
“The price of coriander skyrocketed by 300%, and cauliflower doubled from RM6 per kg to RM12.
“It became so costly that I stopped importing them, as customers would not be willing to pay such prices,” said a vegetable seller known as Ah Loong, 70.
Another trader Muhammad Hakimi Idrus, 45, said the cost of broccoli from China increased by around 30%, rising from RM10 to RM13 per kg.
“Almost all of my vegetables are sourced locally, from areas like Bukit Mertajam and nearby states, and their prices haven’t been affected by the storms.
“The sunny days after the rain have helped to ensure supply was adequate,” he said.
Cameron Highlands Vegetable Growers Association deputy president Lau Weng Soow said that despite the poor weather that caused some damage to highland farms, the overall impact was minimal.
“Most of our vegetables are grown in greenhouses, which offer protection from the elements.
“Over 100 farms reported damage, primarily tears in the plastic sheets covering the greenhouses,” he said.
“A few farms saw some damage to their crops, but the quick improvement in the weather meant there was no lasting impact.
“Prices and supplies have remained steady,” he said.
Checks with suppliers, such as those in Pulau Mutiara Wholesale Market, found that the situation has remained the same, with prices of local produce being stable and transportation unaffected.
Severe storms and floods have recently struck China and Thailand, causing widespread damage and disrupting local agriculture.
In China, heavy rainfall led to flooding in several provinces, affecting homes and farmlands, while in Thailand, monsoon rains triggered flash floods, particularly in northern and central regions.
Both countries are facing significant challenges in food production, especially in vegetable farming, resulting in rising prices for exports.
