GEORGE TOWN, February 20 – The Consumers Association of Penang (CAP) has sounded the alarm over the alarming surge in tomato prices across Penang markets. A recent market survey conducted by CAP revealed a significant spike in the price of local tomatoes, soaring from RM 8.00 to RM 12.00 per kilogram. Just a month ago, the same product was sold for a much lower price of RM 5.50 per kilogram. As a staple ingredient in countless dishes, tomatoes are a vital commodity for consumers of all backgrounds.
Retailers have also expressed concerns, reporting warnings from distributors and wholesalers about potential price hikes for other vegetables in the near future. In response to these developments, CAP has urgently called upon the Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (FAMA) and The Ministry of Domestic Trade And Cost Of Living to conduct a thorough investigation into the unprecedented increase in tomato prices and to take decisive action against any parties found guilty of profiteering. Mohideen Abdul Kader, President of Consumers Association of Penang (CAP), emphasized the necessity for swift intervention to address the plight faced by consumers grappling with the sharp rise in essential food prices.
