Fama refutes claims of disregarding issues with produce price increases

The Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (Fama) has refuted claims by the Consumers’ Association of Penang (CAP) that it is ignoring consumer complaints about the sharp increase in vegetable and fruit prices.

Fama told FMT that the agency was closely monitoring and stabilizing produce prices throughout several tiers of the supply chain by means of close collaboration with all industry participants.

It also mentioned aggressive steps taken to guarantee an adequate supply of fruits and vegetables in retail stores all around to satisfy customer demand, especially during the Christmas season and year-end school holidays.

According to Fama, all people have to realize that dynamic elements, including the environment, agricultural input costs, exchange rates of currencies, and world demand, shape the agricultural market.

“Fama stays dedicated to helping farmers, safeguarding consumer rights, and making sure the agricultural market stays sustainable and competitive,” it said.

CAP attacked Fama yesterday for allegedly allowing the rapid increases in vegetable and fruit prices over the past two weeks to reflect the monsoon season’s reduced supply.

CAP stated that despite repeated calls for action, Fama had not taken “sufficient and effective steps” to regulate vegetable distribution and marketing.

According to the NGO’s polls, the price of ladies’ fingers ranged from RM7 to RM12.50, long beans from RM8 to RM20, mustard greens from RM6 to RM12, and red chilies from RM8 to RM18. The price of beans had jumped from RM9 to RM17.50 per kilogram.