KUALA LUMPUR – The supply of chicken is sufficient nationwide, as demand for the poultry item has stabilised.
The Malaysian Federation of Livestock Farmers’ Associations (FLFAM) advisor Datuk Jeffrey Ng said the federation will comply with any decision set by the government regarding the sale of chicken in the future.
“We will follow whatever the government decides. For us, the current supply is enough, and the demand has also returned to a stable level,” he told Getaran, The Vibes’ Bahasa Malaysia sister publication.
He said this in response to the statement by Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry secretary-general, Datuk Azman Mohd Yusof who had said the implementation mechanism for the ceiling price of standard chicken at RM9.40 per kg in the peninsula is unlikely to be continued by the government after August 31.
Azman had said this is because the supply of chicken is becoming more stable day by day.
Additionally, he also pointed out that whole chicken is also below the ceiling price, with sellers offering prices as low as RM6.99 per kg.
In the meantime, when asked if the federation will meet with the Agriculture and Food Industry Ministry in the near future regarding the establishment of the mechanism, Ng said they have yet to receive any invitation at present.
Meanwhile, economist Associate Prof Abu Sofian Yaacob opined that if the government does not implement a ceiling price, then the price of chicken will be determined by middlemen.
Retailers, on the other hand, he said have no choice but to sell the raw chicken at a certain price because they also need to make a profit.
“They can’t do anything about that. If possible, let’s avoid middlemen who are abundant this time,” he said.
At the same time, Sofian also welcomed the government’s move to involve cooperatives in the country in an effort to help the people obtain chicken supplies at a cheaper price.
“To help moderate prices so they don’t rise too suddenly, cooperatives can take on the role of chicken farmers as previously announced by the government,” he said.
Despite the stabilisation of chicken prices, he also warned consumers to spend more wisely, especially in the current uncertain economic situation and increasing price of goods.
According to him, people’s spending and eating habits need to be adjusted in line with the current economic development.
“It doesn’t mean that you can’t eat chicken at all. For example, if the price of chicken is expensive, then you don’t need to eat it at that time.
“We can choose alternatives such as eating fish, because there are many types of fish and some which are affordable.
“In addition, we can reduce the consumption of chicken, from the usual three to four times a week to perhaps two times a week,” he said. – The Vibes, August 1, 2022
