Fish, vegetables in short supply amid Malaysia wet season

Janice Lim Channel NewsAsia 21 Dec 14;

SINGAPORE: The monsoon season in Malaysia has led to a shortage of fish and vegetables, and the repercussions are being felt in Singapore.

Vendors in local markets said that the shortage of fish from Malaysia has led to an increase in prices - from an average of S$4 per kilogramme to S$7 per kilogramme.

Fish seller Leung Teng Foo said: "The supply has decreased by 30 per cent in the past few days. Fewer fishermen are heading out to fish due to strong winds and heavy rain. So there are fewer fish."

The vendors believe that the Malaysian government is worried that it might not be able to meet the domestic demand for fish and is cutting down on fish exports.

Vegetables are also affected. Said vegetables seller Annie Woo: "Heavy rains would cause vegetables to rot. We don't sell rotten vegetables in Singapore. Nobody wants to buy them." To meet the shortage, vegetable sellers are selling more produce from China, Hong Kong and Taiwan.

However, vegetables from Malaysia seem to have greater appeal among consumers. "Vegetables from Malaysia are cheaper," said a consumer. "I am used to eating vegetables from Malaysia. So I tend to buy vegetables from Malaysia," said another.

But the impact of the shortage has been softened by a drop in demand, due to the holiday season when many Singaporeans travel overseas. This has helped to dampen the rise in food prices.

- CNA/ir