KUCHING – Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi has denied claims that he had urged Malaysian consumers to eat duck instead while the government was looking into the rising price of chicken.
He said he had never issued such an insensitive statement, which can be perceived as making fun of people facing difficulties.
“As someone who came from an interior area in Kapit, Sarawak, such an issue is close to my heart and not something to be taken lightly.
“I and everyone else in the ministry view seriously issues involving the price increase of goods which burden the people. As a minister, I am certainly always endeavouring to find solutions for issues such as this,” he said in a statement last night.
The statement was issued after a picture went viral, depicting Nanta urging Malaysian consumers to eat duck instead while the government probes the price increase for chicken.
Nanta said it would take some time to address the price increase of goods as it involved various ministries and agencies, adding that the issue was affecting the whole world and not just Malaysia.
“This is due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic which has crippled economic activities for quite a while.
“Hence, I am asking all members of ‘Keluarga Malaysia’ not to worsen the situation by spreading false news such as this,” he added. – Bernama, November 25, 2021
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