VENDORS in Penang are struggling to supply coconuts to devotees ahead of Thaipusam celebration next Tuesday due to shortage of matured coconuts and rising prices.
The practice of smashing coconuts by the Hindus, locals from other faiths, and foreign tourists in this annual ritual is expected to see a significant decline due to the supply constraints.
Speaking to Buletin Mutiara, Anba Coconut Trading owner P. Saraswathy said they only supplied about 20,000 coconuts to temples for prayers.
“This is the first time we are facing such an issue. The number of coconuts available has dwindled, leaving us with no choice, but to keep the remaining stock for sale after Thaipusam.
“The market will be affected if vendors run out of coconuts after Thaipusam. Hence, we only do our best by providing them to temples.
“Our coconut plantations in Bagan Datuk, Perak, and Ulu Bernama, Selangor, are also no longer producing much due to the climate change and weather conditions,” she said.
The Thaipusam festival, which falls on Feb 11, is set to attract devotees from within the state and beyond to renowned Waterfall Hilltop Temple.
Saraswathy noted that her business typically sells coconuts at RM2.20 each, but other places have raised prices to RM3 due to the shortage.
“Because of the limited supply and high demand, we have decided not to sell coconuts in bulk this year,” she added.
Meanwhile, another coconut vendor in Datuk Keramat also faced similar issues, citing reduced stocks and challenges in meeting demand.
Preparations for the celebration are well underway, with various ‘thaneer panthals’ (refreshment stalls) set up along Jalan Utama leading to the Waterfall Hilltop Temple.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Muhamad Amir Irsyad Omar