CAMERON Highlands floriculturists are losing millions of ringgit as a result of a shortage of foreign workers, high transport charges and bad weather.

During the movement-control order period, these growers planted vegetables but switched back to flowers when the lockdown was eased.

Their flowers are usually exported to Thailand, Japan, Hong Kong and Singapore. But transport costs have doubled.

Cameron Highlands Floriculturist Association president Lee Peng Fo told The Malaysian Insight this year’s output will be half or less that of previous years.

In the early months of the Covid-19 pandemic, the situation in Japan resulted in a sharp drop in demand. Exports to Thailand were also affected.

Demand has since risen but so has the cost of transport.

“Flower growers now face yet another test. The freight cost to Japan has increased by 100% due to limited flights,” said Lee, adding that 25% of their flowers are exported to Thailand, Singapore and Hong Kong.

“The demand in Singapore has returned while the Hong Kong market has declined due to the severity of the epidemic.”

Before Covid-19, the annual export stood around RM500 million with Japan, Thailand, Singapore, China, Australia, Hong Kong and Taiwan the main markets.

Cameron Highlands produces flowers of high grade because there is plenty of sunshine year-round, with ideal temperatures ranging from 14°-22°C.

Over the years, the vegetables and flowers have acquired a reputation for quality.

Flower farmers are not the only ones to suffer heavy losses. Vegetable growers are also feeling the pinch.

Cameron Highlands Vegetable Growers’ Association secretary Chay Ee Mong said the climate is affecting the harvest.

“We originally thought that there would be a surplus of vegetable production in August and September, but the rainy season came early this year.

“The weather in April was good and production from June to July was not bad, but it rained every day in August and September.

“Vegetable prices have increased 40-50%. The price of chilli has gone up 15%.”

There’s also a shortage of foreign workers to help with the harvest.

“We have had to reduce our crops because there are not enough people working during harvest time.”

The flower farmers are also in need of more hands.

Every worker has to do the work of two people, said Lee from the floriculturist association.

“We are seriously short of 40% manpower. There is no way to get new workers. Working hours must be extended and we must pay the workers overtime.”

Another farmer, who did not want to be named, said planting costs are high. Farmers need to pay for fertilisers and pesticides aside from the workers.

Flowers take four months to grow from seed to harvest. Meanwhile, he could only hope that exports return to normal next year. – September 25, 2020.