The Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (Fama) is implementing steps to tackle the issue of a shortage of coconuts across Malaysia’s eastern coast states and has seen 650 tons of coconuts imported from the United States coming in. Fama deputy director general (Operations) Shahrizan Sudiman noted that the problem is particularly serious in this area. “Fama has made efforts to obtain coconuts from Indonesia and also to obtain the necessary supplies from Sabah as well as Sarawak,” he said.

Shahrizan said that the problem isn’t widespread and cited the different prices for coconut milk across various regions. In Sanglang the prices range from $2.75 per kilogram. However, in other regions the prices are as high as $4.24 per kilogram. According to him, “Coconut milk prices fluctuate dependent on the location. The areas in which coconut milk is produced, or in areas where coconut imports are accepted in ports, for instance where prices are stable, they remain.”

Perlis Fama director Mohd Anzara Azizan stressed efforts to control prices and supply through the sourcing of three tonnes of coconuts per month through the Simpang Pulai Operations Centre the northern hub of collection. The coconuts are distributed to 24 Fama selling outlets as well as to six producers of coconut milk from Perlis.

Vice domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Fuziah Salleh said that the government will increase coconut imports to alleviate the problem of a shortage and ensure a sufficient supplies prior to the fasting month Hari Raya Aidilfitri and Hari Raya. It is still focusing on the problems with grated coconut as well as freshly-made coconut milk.

Source: New Straits Times