A VISIT to several traders at a wet market in Kuching on Tuesday (Dec 9) found that the rainy season has to an extent affected produce supply, with some vendors reporting higher prices but others say the situation remains manageable.
Although the wet spell is a normal annual occurrence, traders say this year’s rainfall has come earlier and with heavier intensity, resulting in logistical disruptions for certain agricultural products.
DAWE NGAJIN,61, VEGETABLE TRADER:
Supplies of leafy greens from rural farming areas have become limited in recent days because transportation routes are affected by continuous rain.
Some farmers are unable to harvest on time, while others delay delivery due to muddy road conditions.
Prices of selected vegetables including sawi and bayam have increased slightly but the increase is still moderate and controlled.
However if the rainy weather persists, the market may see further price changes as supply continues to fluctuate.
JILUP MERUD,60, SEAFOOD TRADER
Unpredictable weather and strong waves have reduced the number of fishermen going out to sea. As a result, the availability of fresh sea fish has dropped and prices have gone up, particularly for higher-demand species.
Customers have begun asking why certain fish are more expensive than usual and we are trying to explain that the situation is tied to weather and supply constraints rather than price manipulation.
NABILA SAPAWI, 36, FRUIT SELLER
The rainy season has caused minor delays, especially for local fruits that depend heavily on small-scale suppliers. Delivery trucks are taking longer to reach the markets and some fruits arrive in smaller quantities.
Prices have also increased although the changes are still considered mild and largely acceptable.
Prices will only escalate significantly if heavy rain continues for a longer period, which could affect harvesting stages for fruits such as bananas, papayas and pineapples.
