Consumer association calls for ceiling price for coconut as Thaipusam approaches

GEORGE TOWN: The Consumers Association of Penang (CAP) has urged the government to control the price of coconut by setting a ceiling price for Thaipusam to prevent traders from taking advantage of the festivity to raise the price.
CAP education officer N. V. Subbarow said the ceiling price was necessary since the demand for coconut increases during Thaipusam because many Hindu devotees who pay homage break coconuts in large quantities during the festivity.
"CAP hope the relevant ministry can control the price of coconut just like when essential goods are controlled to prevent a price hike during festive seasons," he told reporters here today.
Subbarow said CAP had received feedback from suppliers in the state that they would only be able to supply about 200,000 coconuts during Thaipusam on Feb 9, compared with the demand for about 500,000 fruits.
Meanwhile, checks at the Pulau Tikus and Batu Lanchang markets here revealed that coconut was sold between RM2 and RM2.50 and traders feel the price will increase during Thaipusam.
A wholesale supplier for coconut, P.Saravathy, 58, said she receives her supply from a coconut plantation in Kuala Bertam, Perak but due to uncertain weather over the past few months, the harvest has not been good, leading to a shortage in supply.
"We are only able to supply about 60,000 coconuts for Thaipusam this year compared with 120,000 last year. However, we have maintained the price at RM1.80 a fruit," she said. — Bernama