Grouses Of Vegetable Farmers In Camerons Forced To Sell Produce At Low Prices Under Investigation – Exco

KUANTAN, March 16 (Bernama) -- The Pahang state government will investigate the complaints by Cameron Highlands vegetable farmers who claim they are forced to sell their produce at low prices, namely 20 to 30 sen per kilogramme (kg) to wholesalers.

State Consumer Affairs and Human Resources Committee chairman Sim Chon Siang said that his office received direct complaints from farmers regarding this matter last week and claimed that they are now facing extremely high operational costs and the burden of repaying bank loans.

He said the situation directly raises questions about the supply chain and pricing determination, which causes a significant gap between farm prices and market prices.

“Farmers claim they only receive around 20 to 30 sen per kg for certain vegetables, but when they reach the market, the price can soar to RM3 or RM4 per kg," he said at a press conference after monitoring prices in conjunction with the implementation of the Festive Season Maximum Price Scheme (SHMMP) for the 2026 Aidilfitri season here today.

He said that following this, his team will go to Cameron Highlands on March 30 and 31 to meet the farmers to obtain a clearer picture of the issues they are facing.

Meanwhile, he also requested the Pahang Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) to investigate the issue to understand the real cause of the significant price differences at the farm and market levels.

Regarding SHMMP, the Pahang KPDN will also increase the presence of enforcement officers at strategic locations such as public markets, farmers' markets, and shopping centres to ensure compliance with the scheme.

-- BERNAMA