KUCHING: The government, through the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry (KPDN), has affirmed its commitment to maintaining stable and controlled chicken prices in Sarawak and Sabah.
Deputy Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali said the higher chicken prices in Sabah and Sarawak are a common issue and not unusual.
“There might be some confusion regarding chicken prices in Sabah and Sarawak. The prices displayed have been controlled since before Nov 1.
“Historically, chicken prices in Sabah, Sarawak, and Labuan have been higher compared to Peninsular Malaysia. Here in Peninsular Malaysia, the price is RM9.40 per kg.
“The set price is RM11.30 in Sabah and Labuan. Sarawak has nine different price categories.”
Armizan said this during a press conference to announce the Maximum Price Scheme for Deepavali at the Jayaa Sri Welfare Organisation in Bandar Tasik Kesuma, Selangor, on Monday (Nov 6).
He added that when chicken prices fluctuate, some individuals tend to compare prices in Peninsular Malaysia with those in Sarawak and Sabah.
“There has indeed been a price increase, but it’s in specific areas. KPDN will address each issue based on localities.”
Armizan assured that KPDN will address price issues on a case-by-case basis, based on complaints or through their own monitoring, and they will engage with the involved traders.
He stressed that prices in Sarawak, Sabah, and Labuan are still under control, and KPDN will investigate any price hikes to identify underlying issues.
Addressing the chicken price issue in these regions requires careful planning and collaboration among various parties, he added.
“In Sarawak, the lowest chicken price is RM9.90, while the highest is RM18.90. However, this occurs in Lawas and Limbang primarily due to logistical challenges.
“Based on our monitoring since Nov 1, the lowest standard net chicken price in Peninsular Malaysia is RM5.90, significantly lower than the ceiling price of RM9.40. The highest reported price is RM10.50 in Mentakab, Temerloh, and Matang Market, Perak.”
Armizan assured that KPDN continuously works to increase chicken supply with discounted prices through the ‘Jualan Rahmah’ programme in Sarawak, Sabah, and Labuan, offering discounts ranging from 10 per cent to 30 per cent.
