Rising prices and middlemen markups keep organic, vegan, and nutritious foods costly, limiting access for low- and middle-income families.
PETALING JAYA: Organic, vegan and other healthy foods remain largely unaffordable for Malaysians, despite growing interest in nutritious diets, said Consumers Association of Penang (CAP) senior education officer and natural farming trainer N.V. Subbarow.
“Consumers can buy organic vegetables directly from farmers at reasonable prices – often cheaper than conventionally farmed produce.
“The problem lies with middlemen, who inflate prices before they reach the market.”
He added that the global popularity of vegan products has also driven costs higher.
“Many middle and high-income consumers turn to vegan foods, believing they are the healthiest choice. While positive for awareness, it pushes prices up.
“The everyday cost of food is a heavy burden. A meal for four at a restaurant can cost around RM100, while breakfast for a family of four may reach RM40.
“For many, these prices are unaffordable, pushing them toward cheap, low-nutrition options like instant noodles.”
Subbarow said imported ingredients such as millets further increase costs.
“Millets are rich in vitamins and calcium but expensive due to import taxes.
“The government should reduce sales tax to make them more accessible.”
He said fruits and vegetables are also rising sharply.
“A banana that once cost 50 sen is now RM2. Papaya slices are similarly expensive. When healthy foods are out of reach, many Malaysians avoid them entirely, even if indulgent foods like durian drop in price.
“This is worrying for people managing conditions like diabetes.”
Subbarow called for a nationwide healthy food campaign led by the Health Ministry.
“Schools should promote healthy meals and millets in canteens. Institutions, hotels and caterers should be incentivised to offer more nutritious options while reducing processed and non-vegetarian foods.
“Posters and educational materials on healthy diets should also be widely available.”
He urged subsidies for farmers producing organic, vegan and nutrient-rich foods.
“Supporting local producers will help more Malaysians access healthy fruits, vegetables and millets, creating a healthier society overall.”
With the cost of living rising, Subbarow warned that urgent measures are needed to make nutritious diets affordable for all.
