Inflation in Malaysia hit 4.4% in July, the highest in more than a year. With the rising cost of living requiring households to tighten their belts, it might be time to consider buying food items that are more affordable.

One way to do this would be to look at local instead of imported goods. Imported items tend to be more expensive, especially given the weakness of the ringgit. Plus, thanks in part to the Russia-Ukraine conflict, they are at risk of an interrupted supply.

Locally produced goods, on the other hand, are more budget-friendly, readily available, and don’t require as much preservation, making them a healthier choice.

So, what are some of the local produce you should look out for the next time you’re at the market? Here are six ingredients, using data published by the Department of Statistics on the self-sufficiency ratio (SSR) of food items.

SSR refers to the percentage of food produced and consumed domestically. An SSR above 100% means local production of the item is enough to satisfy domestic demand.

1. Papaya

Papaya tops the list with an SSR of 146.9%. Last year, Malaysia produced 60,980 tonnes of this fruit, about 68% of which was consumed by Malaysians or used for feed. The remaining was exported.

The price of papaya has been relatively stable, growing by only about 1.3% from RM3.71 per kg in 2019 to RM3.76 last year.

Papaya has high levels of antioxidants and nutrients such as vitamins A, C, and E, as well as fibre. It is said to help in preventing heart disease, lowering cholesterol levels, and reducing the risk of macular degeneration.

2. Watermelon

The SSR of this sweet, juicy fruit came in at 139.5% last year, with Malaysia having produced some 127,835 tonnes. About 68% of this went to local demand, with the remaining 32% exported.

Similar to papaya, prices of watermelon (with seeds) increased by only 1.3% from RM3.12 per kg in 2019 to RM3.16 per kg in 2021.

Watermelon is a great source of nutrients and antioxidants including vitamins A, C, and E, lycopene, and carotenoids. This means it is good for your eyes and heart, and could help fight cancer.

3. Duck meat

Perhaps unexpectedly, duck meat makes the cut with an SSR of 130.6%. Malaysia produced about 69,762 tonnes last year, with 77% for local consumption and the remaining for the export market.

Duck meat prices increased by 3.4% from RM13.8 per kg in 2019 to RM14.30 last year.

Duck might not be the first choice of meat for most Malaysians, but given its wide availability, you could consider switching to it if the prices of imported chicken, beef, or seafood increase significantly. It is an excellent source of protein, iron, and B vitamins.

4. Tomato

The tomato is the country’s most reliable fruit (though some might call it a vegetable). It has an SSR of 118.9%, with Malaysia producing about 186,663 tonnes last year.

About 81.2% of this was for local consumption, which increased significantly from 117,306 tonnes in 2019 to 136,927 tonnes in 2021. This perhaps explains why tomato prices increased sharply from RM5 per kg in 2019 to RM5.60 per kg last year.

Tomatoes are loaded with lycopene, which gives them their bright red colour and helps protect them from the ultraviolet rays of the sun. In a similar way, it can help protect your cells from damage. They are also loaded with potassium, vitamins B and E, and other nutrients.

5. Chicken and duck eggs

Malaysia produces enough chicken and duck eggs for local consumption, with an SSR of 114.4%. About 839,700 tonnes of eggs were produced in 2021, of which only about 12.5% was exported.

Prices of eggs have actually declined, with 10 grade-C eggs costing RM3.50 last year versus RM3.80 in 2019.

Fun fact: Malaysians are among the world’s largest egg eaters, averaging 320 eggs per person every year, compared with only 250 in the United States and a mere 48 in India!

6. Spinach

Spinach’s SSR came in at 112% last year, with a total production of 80,404 tonnes. About 87.9% of this was to satisfy local demand.

Prices rose 9.2% from RM4.50 per kg in 2019 to RM4.90 per kg in 2021.

Spinach, whether stir-fried with garlic or added to a scrumptious pot of soup, could improve your blood glucose, lower risks of cancer, and improve your bone health. It contains a wide variety of nutrients including protein, calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, vitamin A, and folate.

This article was written by Su-Wei Ho for MyPF. To simplify and grow your personal finances, follow MyPF on Facebook and Instagram.