Prices of 20 fresh produce down over 10% in June-July, says Rafizi

PETALING JAYA: The prices of 20 fresh produce dropped by over 10% from June to July, says economy minister Rafizi Ramli in dismissing claims of steep increases.

Rafizi said he checked a report from the domestic trade and cost of living ministry published in September, which measured the changes in the prices of various goods in July compared with June.

He said the cheaper fresh produce in July included cucumbers, green beans, birds’ eye chillies, cabbage, lamb, red grapes, bell peppers, celery, and lime.

“The price of whole chickens went down from RM9.62 to RM8.54 a kg,” he said in a post on X.

“No one can deny that the inflation rate is lower than before the Madani government took over. If anyone on social media says the prices of goods have soared, causing them to suffer, I ask them to send me the evidence.

“That way, I can hand it over to the domestic trade and cost of living ministry for action to be taken.”

Rafizi said only four food items saw price increases of over 10%, namely papaya, white prawns, Valencia oranges, and guavas.

However, the prices of 238 goods also increased during the period, including the four food items, though he did not disclose what these were or by how much they had risen.

He also said the prices of 59 other goods did not change.