GEORGE TOWN, January 23 — Penang’s wet markets are seeing a sharp increase in vegetable prices, particularly for produce from Cameron Highlands, as Chinese New Year approaches. Local vegetables like romaine lettuce, xiao pai chye, ladies’ fingers, Chinese parsley, and tomatoes have nearly doubled in price, with tomatoes surging from RM4 to RM10 per kilogram and Chinese parsley skyrocketing from RM8 to RM25 per kilogram. Traders attribute the spike to heavy rainfall in Cameron Highlands, which has impacted supply.
While imported vegetables from China remain stable, traders such as Dinesh Kumar from Batu Lanchang market noted the unusual persistence of high tomato prices, which are in demand for festive dishes. Conversely, the price of herbs like curry leaves has remained steady, with some traders even offering sprigs for free to loyal customers. With weather conditions continuing to affect output, the price hike may persist throughout the festive season.
