PENANG, Dec 18 (Sin Chew Daily) — Prices of imported greens surge due to disruption in global supply chain, leading also to more expensive fertilizers and pesticides.

The Consumers’ Association of Penang (CAP) president Mohideen Abdul Kader said Malaysia depended heavily on the supply of imported greens and the supply is now disrupted by global supply chain.

Such disruption is taking place across the world generating chain reactions in higher costs for fuel, agricultural chemicals and transportation.

“When demand outstrips supply, countries exporting vegetables would have to reduce their exports to meet local demand. Prices of imported greens would increase due to reduced supply.

“The government needs to look into the issue from foreign exchange too, as ringgit depreciation will cause imported greens to become more expensive,” he said.

Mohideen said Malaysia’s agricultural sector remains labor intensive and has been impacted by the acute shortage of foreign workers.

Farmers have cut their production due to labor shortage and this will lead to higher vegetable prices too, he said.

Mohideen said the government should review the middle-man scheme in agricultural sector to help farmers earn more.

Consumers should be more prudent in selecting their choices of greens, buying only those with reasonable prices, he added.

Among others, CAP proposes that the government encourage urban farming, convert vacant land for agricultural purposes, draft long-term plans for the agricultural sector, help farmers market their produce to get rid of middlemen and liaise with banks to develop the sector with low-interest loans.