Malaysia’s Cameron Highlands growers warn vegetable prices could spike up to 50% as the Middle East conflict drives up production costs
PETALING JAYA: Vegetable prices in Malaysia have remained stable for now, but industry figures are warning that a significant price increase could be just around the corner as the ongoing Middle East conflict continues to push up production costs.
Datuk Syed Abd Rahman Syed Abd Rashid, Chairman of the Cameron Highlands Malay Growers Association, said prices could climb by as much as 50 per cent in the short term before easing to around 30 per cent above current levels.
“Production costs are rising fast. Even before the government announces any price adjustment, costs on the ground have already gone up,” he said, adding that his association would continue monitoring market prices closely.
Speaking to Harian Metro, he noted that while retail vegetable prices had yet to reflect the increase, growers were already absorbing higher input costs — a situation that was unlikely to be sustainable for long.
On the consumer side, Nadzim Johan, Chief Activist of the Muslim Consumer Association of Malaysia (PPIM), urged Malaysians to be prudent with their spending and explore practical ways to reduce their household food bills.
Rather than calling on consumers to set up full vegetable farms, Nadzim suggested a more realistic approach — small-scale home growing using hydroponic techniques to supplement daily needs.
“There is no need to open your own vegetable farm. It is enough to grow a little for personal use — spinach, water spinach, or mustard greens using hydroponics on your balcony, in a kitchen garden, or even in the garage area, just enough to ease the family’s expenses,” he said.
Nadzim also reminded consumers that they hold more power in the marketplace than they realise. By choosing local vegetables where possible — and opting for cheaper imported alternatives such as cabbage when prices warrant it — consumers can effectively influence trader pricing behaviour.
“If consumers are smart about choosing reasonably priced goods, traders will have no choice but to lower their prices,” he said.
Looking beyond the household, Nadzim suggested that schools could make use of available space to develop hydroponic projects, which could serve multiple purposes — supplementing student meals, generating income for the school through surplus produce, and nurturing student interest in science and biology. Clubs and associations, he added, could similarly explore small hydroponic setups to serve their members.
The broader price pressure on essential goods is tied to rising fuel costs linked to the Middle East crisis. Earlier reports had warned that a prolonged conflict could push global oil prices above US$100 (approximately RM393) per barrel, triggering a cascade of cost increases across supply chains.
