DOMESTIC Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali has acknowledged the higher prices of fresh chicken in Sabah compared to Peninsular Malaysia, calling it a long-standing issue requiring immediate attention and sustainable solutions.
He said the ministry is working with Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) and Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas) on a Price Stabilisation Study, which includes fresh chicken prices. The findings are expected to be ready this month.
“We are not in denial about the price disparity. This issue has existed for a long time, and our focus is on finding effective, long-term solutions based on comprehensive data,” he was reported as saying in Papar last night.
Armizan urged all parties, including political leaders, to channel price-related information directly to the ministry instead of making baseless claims.
His remarks follow claims by Lamag assemblyman Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin that fresh chicken in Sabah costs between RM12 and RM16.50 per kilogram, compared to RM7 to RM9 in Peninsular Malaysia.
Armizan noted that resolving the price disparity requires collaboration with other ministries, particularly the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, to ensure stable supplies of essential food items.
“The government has already implemented measures, such as subsidising imported white rice and maintaining diesel subsidies, but we are committed to addressing this issue further,” he said.
He assured that enforcement officers would investigate areas where price concerns are reported, adding, “If profiteering is found, we will act immediately.”– January 21, 2025.
