Fish, vegetables in short supply amid monsoon season in Malaysia

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 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.

The supply of vegetables is also affected, with one seller, Ms Annie Woo, noting that the heavy rains were causing vegetables to rot.

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.

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

Meanwhile, the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority (AVA) has suspended the import of poultry and poultry products from Oregon in the United States due to an outbreak of bird flu there. The suspension excludes heat-treated, processed poultry products.

So far this year, there have been no imports of poultry and poultry products from Oregon. The AVA said it will monitor developments closely.

Singapore imports poultry products from several countries, including Brazil, Malaysia and the US. CHANNEL NEWSASIA