KUALA LUMPUR: The Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry will look into the increase in prices of bread products by a local bread producer, says Datuk Rosol Wahid (pic).

       The Deputy Minister said he was aware of the price increase of certain Gardenia Bakeries (KL) products starting Dec 1.

       "Whether it is true or not, we will investigate as we were not given prior notice," he said when responding to the issue in Parliament on Thursday (Nov 25).

       He was asked about a letter from the company to retailers about the price increase which went viral on Thursday.

       According to the list, a total of 38 products will be sold at higher prices starting Dec 1.

       On a separate issue, Rosol rubbished recent claims by Consumer Association of Penang (CAP) of an exorbitant rise in the prices of vegetables recently.

       "When our enforcement officers were sent to the ground to investigate, they were told by CAP that they were not sure of the locations of where such incidents took place.

       "This was because CAP said they based it on hearsay," he said.

       Nevertheless, Rosol acknowledged that there had been a slight increase in vegetable prices recently.

       Recent reports state that the prices of certain vegetables have soared by as much as 200%.

       These include cauliflower (RM7 to RM16 per kg), choy sum (RM3 to RM9), broccoli (RM8 to RM20) and sawi (RM5 to RM8).

       Last week, Penang Island Vegetable Wholesalers Association chairman Tan Ban Ben said the supply of vegetables and its prices were largely determined by the weather.

       He said vegetable supply would be adequate for upcoming festivals and that prices would reduce once the rainy season ends.