Vegetable Prices Increase By 50-80% After Floods Devastate Five States

Vegetable prices have surged by 50 to 80 percent in Malaysia, as recent floods wreak havoc across agricultural lands in Johor, Melaka, Perak, Kelantan, and Terengganu. Over 100 hectares of farmland have been submerged, leaving farmers unable to meet demand and causing supply shortages nationwide.

Floods Wipe Out Farmland Across Five States

Photo via The Straits Times

“The floods this time around were severe, over 100 hectares of farmland were inundated,” said Lim Ser Kwee, president of the Malaysian Federation of Vegetable Farmers Association. The damage has disrupted Malaysia’s vegetable supply chain, leaving traders and consumers grappling with skyrocketing prices. Compounding the crisis, floods in neighboring Thailand have limited imports, which typically help stabilize local markets.

Months Needed for Recovery

Photo via NSTP

Farmers are now waiting for flood waters to recede, a process that may take months before replanting can begin. This prolonged recovery period raises concerns about sustained price increases well into next year. Adding to the worry, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi warned of a second wave of flooding expected between December 8 and 14, potentially affecting Johor and Pahang.

Vegetable Prices See Hikes Across the Board

Photo via Utusan Malaysia

Vegetable trader Wan Baharuddin Ahmad noted that the prices of sawi, bayam, and kangkung have risen significantly over the past two weeks. “Our suppliers have told us the situation could last until early next year,” he said. Sawi, bayam, and kangkung now sell for RM8 per kilogram, compared to RM3.50 previously. Other vegetables, such as tomatoes and lady’s fingers, have also seen steep increases, with tomatoes now priced at RM8 per kilogram (up from RM4) and lady’s fingers at RM9.50 (up from RM6.50). The price of red peppers has surged to RM22 per kilogram, compared to RM14 before the floods.

A Difficult Road Ahead

As the nation braces for potential additional flooding, the agricultural sector faces significant challenges in ensuring a stable vegetable supply. Farmers, traders, and consumers alike will need to navigate these disruptions together, while the government works to provide support. Moving forward, strengthening agricultural resilience against climate-induced disasters will be key to avoiding similar crises in the future.

Source: here