SABAH Umno chief Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin wants the state to tackle the rising cost of basic goods, particularly fresh chicken, which he claims is disproportionately high compared to Peninsular Malaysia.
"While fresh chicken costs between RM7 and RM9 per kilogram in the peninsula, prices in Sabah range from RM12 to RM15.50 per kilogram on average, and can even reach RM16.50 per kilogram in some areas," he said in Kota Kinabalu.
He said that these discrepancies persist during regular periods and are not limited to festive seasons.
In November 2023, Sabah Community Development and People’s Wellbeing Minister Datuk James Ratib attributed the higher chicken prices to regulatory differences between Sabah and the peninsula, where the latter allows chicken imports from countries like Poland.
Sabah's restrictions aim to prevent livestock-borne diseases but inadvertently limit supply, raising costs.
Ratib also pointed to high operational expenses due to the need to import chicken feed from Peninsular Malaysia.
However, Bung suggested that Sabah explore local production of chicken feed and study large-scale poultry farming practices in the peninsula to mitigate costs.
"Sabah has significant potential to produce its feed on a large scale, reducing dependence on external suppliers," he said.
Bung also called on the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry (KPDN) to monitor chicken prices more effectively in Sabah, stressing that finding solutions should take precedence over excuses.
"The rakyat, particularly low-income earners, are bearing the brunt of these rising costs. Even restaurant owners are struggling to balance the cost of raw materials with affordable menu pricing," he added.
In addition to the issue of chicken prices, Bung criticised the condition of roads in Sabah, calling for immediate repairs to prevent accidents and vehicle damage.
"The Pan Borneo Highway project receives significant attention, but existing damaged roads remain neglected, causing immense hardship for motorists," he said.
Bung urged the state government to act decisively to address these issues, saying, "Don’t let the rakyat continue to suffer.”– January 18, 2025.
