Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi has stated that Malaysia is importing onions from various countries, not relying on a single source.
“If a producing country experiences natural disasters such as drought, floods and earthquake or imposes economic sanctions, Malaysia will not be affected and there will be no disruption of onion supplies even though there might be a slight impact on the prices.”
Malaysia imports onions from 29 countries with five being the largest exporters namely India (36 per cent), Pakistan (23 per cent), China (19 per cent), the Netherlands (9 per cent) and Thailand (7 per cent), he said.
Nanta said the Indian government on Sept 14 imposed an export ban on all types of onions except for Bangalore rose and Krishnapuram onions to cater to domestic demand following floods that hit the country in last July.
“Following that, a total of 121 importing companies have increased the volume of imports from other countries such as Pakistan, China, the Netherlands and Thailand,” he said in response to complaints by consumers regarding the supply and prices of onions.
