Unscrupulous middlemen inflating prices of vegetables

Unscrupulous middlemen inflating prices of vegetables
Thursday September 20, 2007

KEPALA BATAS: There are unscrupulous middlemen who inflate the prices of vegetables up to five times more than its farm price.

So, consumers are reminded to compare prices before buying their essentials in the market.

Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Mohd Shapie Apdal said the farm price of 1kg of tomatoes in Cameron Highlands was only 90 sen.

"But, when the supply reaches the Selayang market, for example, the tomatoes are being retailed up to RM4.50 per kg.

"There are just too many middlemen involved in the distribution chain of grocery items that could have inflated the prices," he said after presenting grocery aid to 189 flood victims in Kampung Rantau Panjang here on Thursday.

Mohd Shafie said the prices of fish, vegetables and meat, which were not under the price control list, varied from stall to stall in a market.

"Based on personal observation, the prices of goods quoted by the stalls at the market entrance are a little higher than those located deeper inside the market.

"Perhaps, the front stalls have to pay a higher rental. But, as a wise consumer, we must compare prices first before making our purchases," he said.

On fears of a chicken shortage during the coming Hari Raya festive season, he said there was ample supply, noting that the country currently produced 22 million birds a month.

On the shortage of cooking oil in packets of RM2.50 per kg in several states, Mohd Shafie said he had told Deputy Primary Industries Minister Datuk Peter Chin Fa Kui to get the manufacturers to increase production.

"The shortage is so far only in Trengganu, Pahang, Sarawak and Johor. Hopefully, this problem would be resolved in a couple of days time," he said. -- The Star.