Camerons landslide has not affected vege supply, says ministry

 

The price increase for five types of vegetables, including sawi, chili and capsicum, had nothing to do with the landslide, according to the domestic trade and consumer affairs ministry.

PETALING JAYA: The supply of vegetables to local markets has not been affected by the recent landslide on the Jalan Simpang Pulai-Cameron Highlands route.

The domestic trade and consumer affairs ministry said it was informed by the Kinta district Public Works Department (JKR) that the alternative route from Tapah to Cameron Highlands would be used instead.

“The ministry would like to assure that the supply of vegetables for local markets is not affected.

“Consumers and traders who use these raw produce are asked not to panic. This situation should not be used as an excuse by vegetable traders to increase prices in the market,” it said in a statement.

The ministry added that it had conducted a survey on 685 premises and found that there was adequate and stable vegetable supply.

According to the ministry, the price increase for five types of vegetables – including sawi, chili and capsicum – had nothing to do with the landslide.

It said this was also confirmed by the Federation of Malaysian Vegetable Growers Association which stated that vegetable prices depended on demand and that prices should be stable if the weather improved.

On Saturday, a landslide was reported at Jalan Simpang Pulai-Cameron Highlands, forcing the authorities to close the road.

According to the Kinta district JKR, the landslide involved a 30m road stretch with a depth of 4.57m. It was likely due to continuous rain which caused the soil structure to become weak and unstable. - FMT