18/03/2025

TUESDAY | MAR 18, 2025

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Coconut shortage causes lemang price increase

He urged the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry to expedite premium crop projects and downstream agricultural industries to enhance the value of local agricultural produce. He highlighted that Port Dickson was ranked among the 10 happiest towns in Malaysia last year while Bandar Komuniti Bahagia Tampin received the Special Appreciation Town Award. “Key factors contributing to the happiness and well-being of residents include the quality of services provided by local authorities, such as environmental cleanliness, effective solid waste management and systematic garbage collection.” Special Aidilfitri train services launched KUALA LUMPUR: Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB) is introducing four special train services as part of the northern edition of the Lambaian Aidilfitri Express to meet high demand during the Hari Raya travel period. It said 1,920 tickets for the service from KL Sentral to Padang Besar in Perlis, costing RM70 one-way for superior class seating, is now available for sale. “This special train service is an alternative mode of transport for Aidilfitri, allowing individuals to travel for the holidays conveniently. It offers a smoother and more comfortable journey than road travel, which typically experiences heavy congestion during the festive season. “KTMB remains committed to providing railway services that are not only safe but also comfortable, especially for senior citizens and children travelling long distances.” The train from KL Sentral will depart at 10.30pm on March 27 and April 3, arriving in Padang Besar at 7.22am the following day. The return journey from Padang Besar is set for 10.30pm on March 28 and April 4, arriving at KL Sentral at 7.10am the next day. It said the train will stop at major stations, including Tanjung Malim, Ipoh, Kuala Kangsar and Taiping in Perak, Sungai Petani and Alor Setar in Kedah, and Arau in Perlis. Tickets can be purchased cashlessly via the KTM Mobile app, official KTMB website www.ktmb.com.my or KTMB kiosk machines. More information may be obtained by contacting the KTMB call centre at 03-9779 1200 or from the official KTMB social media accounts. – Bernama Sufficient essential goods for Hari Raya GEORGE TOWN: Penang Agrotechnology and Food Security Committee chairman Fahmi Zainol said the state has adequate supply of essential goods for the Aidilfitri celebrations. “Ahead of Aidilfitri, there are usually supply issues with items such as eggs, chicken, beef, cooking oil and coconut milk, but we have not received any official complaints. “The situation remains under control. There may be a slight shortage of packet cooking oil but other items are sufficient.” He said the situation has been supported by the Rahmah Sales programme, which offers essential goods at lower prices to ease the financial burden of the people. He also said the programme is held weekly at different locations in all state constituencies and has received encouraging response. “We are continuing with the programme. Every time it is held, there are long queues as the prices offered are lower than market rates.” He added that local white rice is now available in the market and sold across all districts, although demand remains moderate. – Bernama.

o Hike in cost of essential ingredients may lead traders to pass on extra expenses, impacting affordability for budget-tight individuals

increase coconut imports to address the ongoing shortage and ensure a stable supply. However, the outcome remains uncertain.” He said vendors may have no choice but to pass the full or a significant portion of the increased costs to consumers, which could impact affordability. He added that as prices rise, consumers may become more selective in their purchases or reduce the quantity they buy, potentially affecting revenue for vendors. “The higher prices of lemang could impact consumer demand during Hari Raya. Families who usually purchase large quantities of lemang for gatherings might cut back, especially if the price increases significantly.” Mohideen said lemang holds significant cultural and sentimental value during Hari Raya, so some consumers may still prioritise it despite the price increase. “If prices for other essential goods also become more expensive, it could strain household budgets further, reducing demand for premium festive foods.” He called on the government to introduce price controls on essential ingredients such as coconut milk and rice to ease the burden on vendors and consumers, and stabilise prices for traditional foods. “Many small-scale lemang vendors may raise the price of their products to reflect the higher cost of ingredients. However, this comes with the risk of losing customers, especially those on tight budgets during the festive season.”

glutinous rice and bamboo. “Coconut milk prices have increased and we are feeling the pinch. Lemang needs a lot of coconut milk, so we cannot cut corners. I hope customers understand why we have to adjust the prices. Some have complained but most get why we have to do it.” Consumers Association of Penang (CAP) president Mohideen Abdul Kadeer raised concerns that such price hikes may lead to vendors passing costs to consumers, particularly during the festive season. He said price hikes for coconuts have already led to higher costs for essential ingredients such as coconut milk, which is used in rendang, dodol and nasi lemak. “Imported coconuts have seen a gradual price increase, reaching RM4 each while local coconuts now cost RM2.50 and the shortage of local coconuts remains. “This has caused the price of coconut milk to increase to RM16 per kilogramme, which would significantly impact consumers and disrupt traditional food preparations.” He said despite CAP raising the issue in December last year and a subsequent statement from the Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority promising to import more coconuts from neighbouring countries to ensure adequate domestic supply, the problem persists in some parts of the country. Mohideen said according to traders, coconut wholesalers have said there will be no shortage during the Hari Raya celebrations. “The government has announced plans to

Ű BY QIRANA NABILLA MOHD RASHIDI newsdesk@thesundaily.com

PETALING JAYA: With Hari Raya Aidilfitri just two weeks away, many lemang sellers are raising their prices as the cost of coconut milk continues to climb due to the ongoing coconut shortage. The price of lemang is expected to increase to between RM25 and RM30 per stick, driven by the soaring cost of coconut milk, a key ingredient that significantly impacts production expenses. Despite the price hike, demand for lemang , a must-have traditional food during the celebration, remains strong. Sales are expected to pick up and peak in the days leading up to Hari Raya. A lemang seller in Wangsa Maju, Kuala Lumpur, Mohd Karim Ismail, 57, said he has no choice but to increase prices for the festive staple due to rising costs of essential ingredients, particularly coconut milk, RM8m allocated to repair health clinics MALACCA: The state government here has approved an allocation of RM8 million for repairs at 13 health clinics in Malacca this year. State Health, Human Resource and Unity Committee chairman Datuk Ngwe Hee Sem said the clinics include those in Ujong Pasir and Jalan Gereja in Banda Hilir. “We have visited the clinics and found the environment and facilities there required improvements as soon as possible to ensure the comfort of patients seeking treatment.” He said the repair project is at the tender stage and will be implemented after the tender is awarded. “We hope the process will not take long as the repairs need to be done immediately. There are clinics that have air conditioners that do not function, lack of waiting areas and walkways that can be slippery during rain. “The state Health Department is grateful to the federal government for the approval given.” – Bernama

FESTIVE PACKETS ... A trader showing creative designs of ‘duit Raya’ envelopes sold at her shop in Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman, Kuala Lumpur. – ADAM AMIR HAMZAH/THESUN

State seeks federal support to expedite water resource projects TAMPIN: Negeri Sembilan has sought federal support to expedite the implementation of the Linggi off-river storage facility and Sabo Dam projects. Also present were Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu and Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar. activities and promoting an active lifestyle among residents based on data from the state and district input-output tables.

“Negeri Sembilan is a pioneer in establishing regional input-output tables in Malaysia. The development of state and district input-output tables will assist the state government in implementing evidence-based policymaking. “We welcome support, facilities and infrastructure that can improve the lives of the people, such as the development of smart agriculture through automation and the Internet of Things in precision farming.”

Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun said the projects are crucial to prevent a raw water crisis over the next five to 10 years. “The state is expected to face a raw water resource crisis by 2030 if immediate mitigation measures are not taken.” He was speaking at an iftar event with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim at the Tampin multipurpose field on Sunday.

Aminuddin said the state government remains committed to systematic and comprehensive efforts to provide the best services, particularly in healthcare accessibility and poverty eradication, with a goal of achieving zero hardcore poverty, Bernama reported. He also said the state government is dedicated to enhancing the supply of quality affordable housing, boosting economic