Kelantan: Coconut milk prices in the state have increased following a decline in coconut yields caused by red beetle infestations, said Kelantan Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) director Azman Ismail. He stated that the decline in yields had also affected the supply of coconut milk in the market.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, despite the challenges, the maximum price of coconut milk has been set at RM17.50 per kilogramme, with KPDN committed to ensuring that no trader exceeds this price. Azman noted that there have been no complaints about the supply of coconut milk in the state. However, if any reports of adulteration surface, samples will be sent to the Chemistry Department for analysis before any action is taken.

Azman explained that KPDN had implemented strict daily monitoring at markets to ensure traders comply with the regulations under the 2025 Hari Raya Puasa Festive Season Maximum Price Scheme (SHMMP), effective from March 24 to April 7. A team of 143 enforcement officers and 45 monitoring officers has been assigned to oversee the price and supply of coconut milk throughout the festive period, including Hari Raya Aidilfitri.

He emphasized that even during the Raya holidays, officers would remain on duty. The control room is tasked with receiving complaints from the public, and each complaint is to be investigated within two to four hours. Azman urged consumers to verify prices before making purchases, especially during the festive season when demand for essential goods typically surges.

He encouraged consumers to report any cases of non-compliance with the price scheme, including instances of coconut milk being sold above the maximum rate, to the authorities for further action.