KOTA KINABALU – A DAP Youth leader has clapped back at a Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) leader who lambasted federal Deputy Agriculture and Food Security Minister Chan Foong Hin over rising pork prices.
Kaven Lee, who is Chan’s private secretary and a DAP Youth executive council member, said SAPP vice-president Gee Tien Siong’s statement on the matter was intended to stir anti-government sentiment among local pork farmers and consumers.
He said Gee’s claim had not only misled the public, but had created confusion about Chan’s responsibilities as a deputy minister.
“The issue at hand requires a delicate and fine balance between controlling prices and controlling supply.
“The price control mechanism is not under the purview of the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry, but rather the (Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry),” Lee said in a statement today.
Yesterday, Gee questioned Chan’s efforts in helping Sabah’s pig farmers reduce pork prices in the state.
Lee explained that other than helping local pig farmers boost production, international imports would also increase supply, adding that Chan had been meeting with industry players to facilitate the import process.
Lee also questioned the effectiveness of the federal government imposing a price control mechanism to forcefully control retail prices.
“This act is akin to using a sledgehammer to kill a mosquito as it would lead to unintended consequences – such as setting prices too low in comparison to (production costs) leading to further shortages of pork. Is that what Gee wants?” he asked.
Lee said as a Sabah rights activist, Gee should know agriculture in Sabah falls under the state administration and the federal government has little authority over the state’s pig farms.
He noted that the farms were under the purview of the state’s Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food Industry Ministry.
“Furthermore, the Sabah Veterinary Services Department does not report to the federal Agriculture and Food Security Ministry at all. Perhaps, Gee should instead pose this question to the state ministry,” he said.
Lee said Chan has also adopted an open-door policy, welcoming any form of discussion or potential collaboration with the Sabah government to address the issue.
“The stabilisation of pork prices has always been a continuous process. While one may not see immediate results, what is sure is that efforts are being taken by the (federal) Agriculture and Food Security Ministry to ensure that pork prices remain stable,” he added.
SAPP is a component of Sabah’s ruling coalition Gabungan Rakyat Sabah, which is part of the unity government at the federal level. –The Vibes, April 3, 2023
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