Johor Domestic Trade and Tourism Committee chairman, Datuk Tee Siew Kiong (left), together with the owner of Syarikat Lee Hin, Pang Eng Sun (right), checking some onions during a supplies check in conjunction with the upcoming Chinese New Year celebration. — Bernama photo
KUALA LUMPUR: Traders of perishable goods at several wholesale markets in the capital are confident that perishable food supplies will not be affected during the Chinese New Year celebration.
A Bernama check at several wet markets in Kuala Lumpur found that prices of perishable goods were still under control though current demand was relatively high.
A fishmonger at the Sentul Pasar Market who only wanted to be known as Zainol said that so far the prices of fish were still reasonable.
“Prices of certain goods are usually fixed by the government through a festive price control scheme and we abide by them,” he said.
Vegetable seller Ng You Loy, 52, said he had sufficient supply of vegetables for sale at his stall for the coming Chinese New Year.
“Every year, our suppliers will provide enough vegetables and the prices offered to consumers are still within control. I do not increase the prices as I please,” said Ng who had been trading at the market for nine years.
R Lechumie, 54, a vegetable seller at the Selayang Wholesale Market, said she would ensure that supplies were adequate throughout the Chinese New Year period.
“My suppliers and I are used to consumers getting frantic over shortage of perishable goods each time there is a festive celebration.
“However prices of popular items such as cucumber, long beans, cabbage and chillies are uncertain as these depend on the weather, freshness and suppliers’ prices,” she said.
Meanwhile, a poultry supplier, Zubir Mustapha, 33, gave the assurance that poultry would be sufficient during the Chinese New Year period.
“Demand for poultry will usually rise slightly compared to normal days but the price is still within control,” said Zubir who delivers supplies to several wholesale markets in Kuala Lumpur. — Bernama