With Thaipusam just around the corner, the Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow has urged devotees to reduce the number of coconuts they break during the festival season due to the shortage of coconuts in the state. Chow emphasizes the importance of balancing traditions with practicality given the current supply shortage. While coconut is a significant ritual for Thaipusam, devotees should be mindful and consider the economic and food security
The shortage was highlighted by Anba Coconut Trading, one of the largest coconut suppliers. The owner P. Saraswathy revealed that coconuts in Perak and Selangor has suffered an 80-90% drop. As a result, her company supplied just 2500 coconuts every two days, far below the previous supply at 10,000 to 15,000.
Saraswathy also explained that her 420,000 trees remain healthy, they are not producing enough flower buds, leading to a severe reduction in supply. This shortage has driven up prices, with local coconuts now selling for RM3.90 in some areas compared to previous range RM2.50 to RM2.60.The appeal for coconut breaking comes as the state government continues to address the economic and social concerns.
As Thaipusam approaches in a week plus, devotees are worried about the coconut supplies as it is a challenge to find coconuts amidst the shortage and price hike. With that, they have urged the devotees to also exercise on the usage of their coconut offerings ensuring that both religious traditions and practical needs are met in the face of ongoing supply crisis.
Sources: FMT
