Flower prices set to rise from Jan 1
SHORTAGE: Local florists say they are dependent on imports
KUALA LUMPUR: THOSE planning a wedding or looking forward to celebrate Valentine's or Mother's Day, will have to pay more to buy their loved ones flowers as the prices will shoot up on Jan 1.
A worker at the Lee Wah Florist Sdn Bhd at the famous Petaling Street said the prices of flowers would see a hike come next month and continue to increase until May.
"There are no flowers available locally and we have to rely on imported flowers.
"These flower prices are expected to see a big increase from January until Mother's Day," added the worker at the wholesale outlet.
She said the flowers were now imported from China, India and Kenya.
"We do not get supply from local suppliers and rely on imported flowers. If the producers increase the price, we will also do so," she said, adding there would be a big price increase.
She said customers booking flowers now for a wedding in January would still be quoted the new price.
A future bride who was shopping for flowers for her wedding next month, Natasha Yvonne Martin, 28, was shocked to find out about the hike.
"When booking the flowers, I was told about the price increase that will take effect in January. I will be charged the new price even though I book now."
She said customers who had no choice would have to abide by the new price though it was unfair.
"I am surprised with the hike but I do not have a choice."
She said the price of rose corsage would cost an extra RM2 (originally RM6.50) while the price increase for a bouquet would be known later.
A technical support consultant, Sanjeev Kumar, 26, who will be getting married in August next year, said he was now considering artificial instead of fresh flowers for the wedding decoration.
"If the prices shoot up too much, it will be better to do without fresh flowers and save on the extra cost."
Joel Verghese, 22, who celebrates Valentine's Day by showering his girlfriend with fresh flowers every year for the past three years, said he would now opt for a luxury dinner.
"I used to spend close to RM200 for roses since it was a once a year affair. If I have to fork out more next year, I would rather take my girlfriend out for dinner and maybe get her a gift."
A check with a number of florists also revealed that the prices of flowers, especially roses, will increase. Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations (Fomca) president Datuk N. Marimuthu said flowers were not essential items and the prices could not be controlled.
"Consumers can think of buying something else during these celebrations."
He added that as flowers were not essential items, the public could also do without them.
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