THE movement-control order (MCO) has led to a surge in online purchases of fresh produce and customers are willing to pay more than what it costs at supermarkets or grocery shops because of the convenience, said farmers.

Even social media is now full of online shopping opportunities, as buyers look for ways to avoid roadblocks and social-distancing queues at supermarkets.

But some consumers are shocked over the cost of online shopping for vegetables as they’re paying more than RM60 for a small bunch of long beans, spring onions, a packet of mustard leaves, two brinjals, a few carrots and potatoes, baby corn, half a pumpkin and a handful of ladies’ fingers.

While the MCO has caused a boom in fresh produce delivery services, Federation of Malaysian Vegetable Farmers’ Association president Tan So Tiok said consumers must expect vegetables delivered to their doorstep to cost more than at the market or grocery store.

After the consumer clicks the “buy” button online, there are many procedures and costs involved, he said.

“Freshness is important and the industry must ensure quality so that customers don’t receive a pile of rotten vegetables.

“Fresh vegetables are different from fruits. Vegetables wilt faster. And the weather is so hot now. 

“If there are more orders than can be delivered within a day, the produce will not be fresh any more.”

Tan said collecting, packing and delivering vegetables all incur costs.

“So, for 10 types of vegetables sold as a RM60 pack, at about half a kilo of each type, I think this is reasonable and not too outrageous,” Tan said.

Cameron Highlands Vegetable Growers’ Association secretary Chay Ee Mong said the pricing of vegetables bought online, usually sold as packages, depends on weight and type.

“Some vegetables, such as tomatoes and beans, will be more expensive.”

Besides transportation costs, Chay said there is also a sorting and packing process after the vegetables are delivered from Cameron Highlands.

Most online delivery services of vegetables range between RM30 and RM50. 

These are the fastest-moving and most in-demand orders but customers also don’t have much choice as the types of vegetables are pre-packed.

Picky consumers should shop at supermarkets, Chay said.

“Generally, the selling price in supermarkets is relatively stable, so you don’t have to worry about overpaying.”

While online grocery shopping is popular now, Chay cannot predict if it will be a mainstay in the future after the MCO is lifted.

“Whether this type of service will wind down or not, is still unknown.”

The MCO to curb the Covid-19 outbreak began on March 18 and has been extended until May 12.

As at yesterday, Malaysia reported 5,820 cases of Covid-19 with the death toll at 99. – April 28, 2020.