Cameron Highlands Malay Farmers Association chairman Syed Abd Rahman Syed Abd Rashid previously said unpredictable weather conditions have caused fungal diseases leading to a 20% to 50% surge in vegetable prices.

Fama chairman Aminuddin Zulkipli said the agency will hold meetings with vegetable producers in Cameron Highlands to get a clearer picture of the situation.

Aminuddin said Fama might increase vegetable imports from producing countries to stabilise prices if local supply is unable to meet demand.

“Fama has been directed to implement appropriate measures if there is a decrease in vegetable supply,” he told FMT.

“If there is indeed a reduction (in vegetable supply) in Cameron Highlands, we will seek alternatives by looking at farms in Selangor and Johor to supplement the supply.

“The country normally imports 10% to 15% of its domestic supply, and we will look at increasing imports if local supplies are inadequate.”

Aminuddin said such measures would only be temporary to stabilise the market.

Among the countries which Malaysia imports vegetables from are China, Indonesia, India and Thailand.

Earlier this month, Syed Abd Rahman told Berita Harian that vegetable prices are expected to triple over the next two months because of the northeast monsoon, which is forecast to bring heavy rain and flooding in several areas nationwide.

He noted that the prices of tomatoes, leeks, kailan, mustard greens, pak choy, cucumbers, eggplant and chickpeas have already increased by up to 50% because of the bad weather.