FISH and vegetable exports should cease immediately to bring down the prices of food items, some of which have increased by more than 100%, the Consumers’ Association of Penang (CAP) said today.

CAP appealed to the Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Ministry and the Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority to take this step to alleviate a domestic shortage expected during the monsoon season and to resume exports after the bad weather period was over.

“The prices of vegetables, fruits and fish have increased up to 300% in the past week… due to the prevailing monsoon season over the last few weeks. 

“Anticipating a shortage during the monsoon season, Malaysia should stop the export of fish and vegetables to other countries and should continue the ban to meet the domestic demand until the monsoon season is over,” CAP president SM Mohamed Idris said in a statement.

Among food items that have seen a huge jump in prices were lady’s finger, which had gone up by 100%, eggplant (150%), parsley (265%) and leeks (300%).

The Malaysian Insight reported last week that several factors were behind the country’s high food prices, including monopolies over food imports and supply of locally sourced fresh produce, besides the weak ringgit.

The Consumer Price Index (CPI) for September went up by 4.3% compared with the same period last year, the highest rate in six months.

The pump price of fuel has also been on an increase, with last Thursday’s pricing for RON 95 petrol up by seven sen to RM2.38 per litre, RON 97 up six sen at RM2.66 sen per litre and diesel up five sen to RM2.25 per litre.

Fuel prices are set weekly.

CAP also said the Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Ministry’s enforcement division should investigate the price increases, while FAMA should take better control of the marketing and distribution of vegetables throughout the country.

“Such control is critical because consumers’ access to a proper diet is compromised by the high cost of food,” it said. – November 20, 2017.