Malaysia govt ready to import veggies as shortage looms

IPOH - The country is preparing to import vegetables with the likelihood of a shortage soon.

A substantial amount of crops were destroyed in last week's landslides in Cameron Highlands, and the crackdown on illegal foreign workers at farms would worsen the situation, said Domestic Trade, Co-operatives and Consumerism Minister Datuk Seri Hasan Malek.

"The Government is prepared to look for fresh food supplies from outside as a means to address any shortages.

"Although the matter comes under the jurisdiction of the Agriculture and Agro-Based Ministry, we are prepared to give our assistance.

"In fact, efforts are already in place to address probable shortages," Hasan said after opening a Gbig COOP Mart in Bandar Meru Raya here yesterday.