Dates are aplenty for all

GEORGE TOWN: Dates are a must-have for Muslims during Ramadan, as the fruit offers nutrition during the breaking of fast.

Despite the ongoing conflict in Gaza, the prices of dates imported from that region have not increased this year.

At a sundry shop in Little India, there are over 20 varieties of dates to choose from this Ramadan.

Its director Datuk Mohamed Meera Sahib Mohamed Noordeen said the dates came in from several countries and have a range of prices.

“We have Deglet Noor from Tunisia and Algeria; Medjool from Palestine; Ajwa, Safawi and Mabroom from Saudi Arabia; Egyptian dates; Bam (Majapati); and Mariami from Iran, among others.

“The price ranges from as low as RM8 to RM10 per kg to RM80 per kg. The mid-range dates are around RM30 to RM50 per kg.“The lower price range consists of Chinese dates, while the mid-range consists of dates like Safawi, Mabroom and Mariami. The pricier ones are Ajwa and Medjool, which are of higher quality,” he said when met at his store here.

Mohamed Meera said there was a delay in shipment due to the ongoing conflict, but most of the supply has arrived.

“Our earlier stock finished as there was high demand before Ramadan.

“Now more stock is coming in as the shipment was delayed by over 20 days due to the conflict.

“Prices, however, are around the same as previous years, as the market is competitive. Everyone wants to sell their stocks rather than keep the dates,” he said.

A major date importer, Datuk Seri Yusuf Taiyoob said his stock of dates is almost sold out this year.

“We import around 3,000 to 4,000 tonnes of dates every year, which have a shelf life of one to two years. We supply wholesalers and we also sell at our stores.

“The demand was high prior to the beginning of Ramadan and we are almost done with our supply,” he added.

“We will not bring in new stock as we expect demand to go down since everyone would have stocked up on dates.

“We have supplied our wholesalers all over the country and they will still have stock. But those who want to come to our stores for dates will have to do so soon,” he said.

Yusuf said he imports dates from Tunisia, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Egypt, Iran and Palestine.

On the situation in war-ravaged Gaza, Yusuf said there were some delays in shipment and cancellations, but it did not affect his supply of dates as he usually places orders earlier.

“We were still able to get dates from Palestine. As we have a large warehouse, we were able to keep the dates there until needed,” he said.