KUALA TERENGGANU – The Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry today suggested that more approved permits (APs) be issued for the import of chicken to control the price increase.
Deputy Minister Datuk Rosol Wahid said to ensure this could be implemented, his ministry would be discussing the matter with the Agriculture and Food Industries Ministry (MAFI) soonest possible.
“If the wholesalers and poultry breeders are trying to take advantage of the situation by hiking up the price of chicken, we can offer (APs) to interested companies. I believe this problem can be solved by issuing more APs to import chicken.
“The issuing of APs is a good suggestion, and we will discuss the matter with MAFI as the APs for importing chicken come under the jurisdiction of MAFI, not our ministry.”
Rosol said this when met by reporters after surveying the prices and supply of basic necessities at the Chabang Tiga Market, Kg Hiliran Jejawi here today.
He visited the market after receiving complaints from the public that the price of chicken had increased by between 30 and 40 sen since last week and today, it is being sold at RM10 per kg.
The price of other items like meat and vegetables were also said to have gone up and due to this, several traders were asked to provide information on the prices charged before further action could be taken.
Rosol also said that until April 18, 42 notices on chicken price increase have been issued to 25 wholesalers and 17 poultry breeders, respectively. – Bernama, April 19, 2021
