JOHOR BARU – The Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry has decided to maintain the ceiling prices for chicken and eggs until after the Aidilfitri festival.
Minister Datuk Seri Salahuddin Ayub also assured that the chicken and egg supply was sufficient and sold according to the ceiling price that has been set throughout the month of Ramadan till Aidilfitri.
He said the ministry will also monitor daily throughout Ramadan to ensure no price increases.
“The government does not plan to raise the ceiling price, we have decided this in the cabinet. (My ministry) and the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry have also held discussions, and so far we have guaranteed sufficient supply (of chicken and eggs) and they are sold at the ceiling price that has already been set,” he said after holding a walk-about on Rahmah Merchandise Sales and Packages at Hwa Thai Supermarket here today.
He said this when asked to comment on whether the ceiling prices for chicken and eggs would be raised.
Salahuddin said industry players have also assured and expressed their willingness to ensure there is surplus production of chicken and egg during Ramadan to handle heightened demand.
“I was told that the supply (of chicken and eggs) will be increased during Ramadan and Aidilftiri, I have also met the industry players and they have given assurance and are ready for surplus production…” he said.
Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu recently said the current ceiling retail price for standard chicken was RM9.40/kg, while the retail ceiling price for Grade A eggs is 45 sen per egg, Grade B (43 sen), and Grade C (41 sen) in the peninsula, while in Langkawi, Sabah, Sarawak, and Labuan, the maximum price for both items varies by zone and district.
He was also quoted as saying that chicken and egg prices are expected to be floated after June in an effort to overcome the food shortage issue. – Bernama, April 1, 2023
