KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysians will pay more for standard chicken as the government has set the new ceiling price at RM9.40/kg for Peninsular Malaysia, up from the current RM8.90, while maintaining the subsidy programme.
The cabinet also decided to set new ceiling prices for chicken eggs in Peninsular Malaysia – an increase of 2 sen for three categories – at 45 sen each for grade A, 43 sen for grade B and 41 sen for grade C.
Both sets of ceiling prices will be effective from July 1 onwards.
According to Agriculture and Food Industries Minister Datuk Seri Ronald Kiandee, the rising prices for food items is not just exclusive to Malaysia but is a global phenomenon resulting from geopolitical conflicts and climate change.
He reiterated that the cabinet’s decision is in line with the increased Bantuan Keluarga Malaysia (BKM) aid announcement by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob a week ago.
The BKM cash handout has been increased by RM100 for households and RM50 for single individuals from the B40 group, and eligible recipients can check the payment status from June 27 onwards.
Previously, the government made an about-turn on removing subsidies for chicken and eggs after fierce public backlash over rising inflation.
Currently, under the maximum retail price list, poultry is selling for RM8.90/kg for Standard Round Chicken and RM9.90/kg for Super Round Chicken in Peninsular Malaysia.
Chicken eggs are priced at 43 sen each for Grade A, 41 sen each for Grade B, and 39 sen each for Grade C. The ceiling price in Langkawi, Sabah, Sarawak and Labuan varies by district. – The Vibes, June 29, 2022