KPKM To Seek FAMA Report Over Vegetable Price Hike In Kelantan

PUTRAJAYA, May 25 (Bernama) -- The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (KPKM) will obtain an immediate report from the Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (FAMA) following claims that vegetable prices in Kelantan have risen by as much as RM2 per kilogramme.

Its minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu said no significant increase in vegetable prices had been recorded in most areas, including the Klang Valley, except for several specific types of vegetables.

“We will monitor the situation in Kelantan. I will request an immediate report from FAMA today,” he told reporters after launching the Kebuniti Agricultural Information Centre, or Gardentopia, here today.

Mohamad was commenting on reports of vegetable prices increasing by up to RM2 per kilogramme at several markets in Kelantan due to prolonged hot weather and rising diesel costs.

On food inflation despite stable overall conditions, he said rising fertiliser prices remained one of the key factors contributing to higher raw supply costs and represented a global challenge faced by many countries.

He said the issue had also been discussed internationally, including by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), following conflicts in several raw material-producing regions involving phosphate resources.

“It is a global concern because areas affected by conflict are also linked to phosphate production and related materials. The government will continue to carry out interventions from time to time based on its capabilities,” he said.

Meanwhile, Mohamad assured that fertiliser supply in Malaysia remains sufficient, although the prices of agricultural inputs will continue to be monitored over the next two to three months.

“Supply is sufficient, but we need to monitor prices over the next two to three months. As far as supply in Malaysia is concerned, the ministry believes the situation remains stable. It is the prices that we will continue to monitor from time to time,” he said

-- BERNAMA