Floods push up vegetable prices as Malaysia activates emergency measures

In Malaysia, authorities have rolled out emergency measures to stabilise vegetable prices after sharp increases were recorded in several states. Prices for some vegetables have risen steeply — in certain cases tripling — following a sudden drop in supply caused by extreme weather and flooding in key production areas.

According to government statements, prolonged and excessive rainfall has damaged crops, slowed growth cycles and washed away essential inputs such as seeds, fertilisers and pesticides. Supply pressure has been further intensified by lower output in neighbouring producing countries, where monsoon-related floods have also reduced harvests.

Officials note that many farmers scaled back planting ahead of the northeast monsoon to limit potential losses, a precautionary approach mirrored across the region. This reduction in planted area has added to the shortfall now reaching markets.

The most affected crops are leafy vegetables and legumes, including spinach, kangkung, mustard greens, okra and long beans. Estimated yield losses for these crops range between 40% and 50%, tightening availability at wholesale and retail levels.

Flood damage has been reported across multiple producing states, including Kelantan, Negeri Sembilan and Perlis, with further disruptions in Perak, Selangor, Kedah, Terengganu, Penang and Pahang. The widespread impact has complicated recovery efforts and slowed the return of normal supply flows.

To ease pressure on consumers, authorities have activated a food supply emergency plan, coordinating response efforts through state-level operations centres. Selected buffer stocks are being prepared for market release, including pumpkin, carrots, tomatoes, cabbage and sweet corn, as part of efforts to stabilise availability and prices while production recovers.

source: themalaysianreserve.com

photo: nst.com.my