Source: Asia One
PETALING JAYA – The erratic weather is driving up the price of local fruits, according to wholesalers.
Responding to consumer complaints of recent price hikes, fruit sellers said they had no choice as supply had been low due to the changing weather pattern.
Taman Tun Dr Ismail market fruit wholesaler Rizal Hadi said the price of bananas had increased to RM5 per kilo compared to RM4 per kilo in 2012.
“I get my fruit from Terengganu which has been experiencing wet weather so supply is low.
“Also, I heard there is a pest problem that is destroying the crops there,” he said.
A check by The Star with wholesalers found that papayas were also priced higher (now RM3 per kilo from RM2), pineapples (RM2 per kilo from RM1), mangosteens (RM7 per kilo from RM5) and duku langsat (RM8 per kilo from RM6).
KL Fruits Sdn Bhd manager Wong Wai Heng said it was normal for fruits like papayas, duku langsat and pineapples to be priced higher at this time as it was not in season.
“We have also been getting less fruit from the supplier so prices may be a bit higher to compensate for other fees like transportation and logistics,” said Wong.
Great Sun Pitaya Farm Sdn Bhd manager Jason Ho said dragon fruit produce had been affected due to the rainy season.
“But we have not adjusted prices to wholesalers,” he said, adding that it was up to wholesalers to adjust the price.
Fomca president Datuk N. Mari-muthu said food production including fruits were affected due to climate change.
“It is a growing concern worldwide and studies have shown that prices will never come down,” said Marimuthu.