Vegetable prices in Penang on a downward trend, say Penang authorities

BAYAN BARU - Prices for several vegetables in Penang are in a downward trend up to 42 per cent over the past few weeks.

The vegetables that have dropped were tomatoes by 5.3 per cent to 42 per cent. Prices of yardlong beans and broccoli have also dropped.

Prices of eggplants have dropped between 6.7 to 20 per cent, brinjals (6.7 to 25 per cent), okra beans (6.3 to 20 per cent), limes (6.3 to 22 per cent) and green bell peppers (5.6 to 20 per cent).

Penang Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Department (KPDN) director S Jegan said the prices of several vegetables have decreased between 2.9 to 42 per cent as supplies have stabilised.

He said prices of six vegetables increased between 2.1 to 73 per cent.

These are cauliflowers 6.7 to 73 per cent) choy sum (7.1 to 33 per cent), kailan (8.3 to 30 per cent), chickpeas (6.3 to 50 per cent), cucumbers (8.6 to 16.7 per cent) and red bell peppers (2.1 to 53 per cent).

He denied several claims that vegetable prices increased up to 160 per cent.

"Though there were several vegetables showing an increase in price but there was none that increased by 160 per cent as reported.

Jegan said up to Feb 13, 5,264 checks were carried out throughout Penang.

"Action was taken on Ops Menu 3.0 under Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011," he said, adding that a list of 36 Goods Information Verification Notice (NPMB) were issued to sellers and vendors in the state on the prices.