IPOH: There is no coconut supply shortage in Perak, and production remains as usual, says Datuk Mohd Zolkafly Harun.
The state Rural Development, Plantation, Agriculture, and Food Industry Committee said that the Perak Agriculture Department is continuously monitoring coconut production at the farm level and records of output had also been recorded by the department.
He also noted that no complaints regarding price hikes have been received, as farm-level coconut prices remain consistent, ranging from RM1 to RM2.50 per fruit depending on size.
"Prices are usually influenced by supply. As of now, coconut production continues as usual. In cases of insufficient supply, the state typically sources coconuts from other states or imports them from countries like Indonesia.
"For your information, import permits for coconuts have been abolished for quite some time," he said in a response to The Star report on Nov 18 titled, "Coconut traders face supply squeeze".
He added that Perak currently has 7,505 ha of coconut plantations, with an annual output of 82,000 metric tonnes.
"Bagan Datuk leads in coconut cultivation within the state, with 6,670 ha of plantations producing 70,000 metric tonnes of coconuts annually.
"Collaborative efforts across all sectors are crucial to ensure the continued growth of coconut production in the country," he said.
It was previously reported that coconut traders here have been facing a supply shortage.
Those who spoke to The Star said supply has been running low since Deepavali at the end of October, with the shortages causing the price of one fruit to go up by 60sen, affecting their daily business.
