No massive jump in veggie prices, says ministry
By New Straits Times
December 10, 2025 @ 10:40pm
KUALA LUMPUR: The Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry has dismissed claims that vegetable prices have increased by three- or fourfold.
Deputy Minister Datuk Dr Fuziah Salleh said the price increases had remained within a controlled and reasonable range, despite the impact of floods and the monsoon season.
She said tracking by the National Price Division found that vegetable prices in the second week of December rose by as much as 68.4 per cent month-on-month.
"The perception of '300 and 400 per cent increases' stems from uneven comparisons — either comparing flood-period prices with the lowest prices of the year or comparing prices in different areas.
"Data show the increases are localised and temporary, consistent with mainstream media reports indicating rises of 30 to 50 per cent.
"The level of increase varies depending on vegetable type and locality, and no widespread doubling or tripling of prices has been detected."
Fuziah added that supply disruptions remained minimal and logistics routes were functional.
"Farms have not been severely damaged, and supply has been restored with assistance from unaffected regions and increased imports."
She said the ministry conducted its monitoring through inspections at farms, wholesalers and retailers; analysis of daily price data for 316 essential items; and feedback received through consumer complaint channels.
The ministry is also working with the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry and the Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (Fama).
Fama's intervention measures include buying near-mature produce from affected farmers at reasonable floor prices to protect farmers while ensuring sufficient supply reaches consumers.
The ministry said it would take action against traders charging unreasonable prices or engaging in profiteering.
Enforcement teams have been instructed to step up inspections and issue notices requiring price justification.
Fuziah also urged consumers to use the PriceCatcher app to compare prices and lodge complaints.
Source: https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2025/12/...s-says-ministry
No massive jump in veggie prices, says ministry
Dec 11 2025, 09:36 AM, updated 3d ago
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