KUALA LUMPUR – The Mydin retail chain has decided to set its price for chicken at RM7.99 per kg from November 1 when the ceiling price is abolished.
Speaking to Scoop, Mydin managing director Datuk Ameer Ali Mydin said his chain is going to set the lead for all other sellers in setting the retail price of chicken.
He said that Mydin has decided to drop the price of chicken by RM1.00 from its original price of RM8.99 per kg, adding that this is possible because of an apparent surplus in the market.
“As we know, (during) the last 10 days, prices of chicken in hypermarkets or supermarkets have been controlled. Unfortunately, in the wet market, prices have gone up much higher.
“Lately there seems to be a surplus of chicken in the market. So, the prices of chicken have dropped, and it dropped at the right time. When Mydin sets the price, everybody (all other sellers) will follow.
“There are no factors at the moment that will raise the price of chicken. For the next one week, I’m very sure we can sell (chicken) at RM7.99,” Ameer said when contacted.
The government today announced an end to chicken subsidies and price controls for the meat starting November 1, when poultry prices will be floated according to market forces. The current ceiling price for chicken is RM9.40 per kg
Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu said retailers will be monitored by the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry to deter profiteering. Subsidies for local eggs, however, will continue.
He added that the government is prepared to turn to foreign sources for additional chicken supplies if prices spike.
Consult farmers regularly: CAP
Meanwhile, Consumers’ Association of Penang president Mohideen Abdul Kader suggested a ceiling price for chicken could be reintroduced during festive seasons.
He said the domestic trade ministry must conduct enforcement and track changes in pricing due to the float.
“Although the price is floating, the ceiling price for chicken and egg should be controlled during the festive season,” he said.
He also said the government must be in touch with farmers to be prepared should the price of chicken increase due to the rising cost of feed.
“Last year, the special task force on jihad against inflation identified the high cost of chicken feed as being responsible for the price hike of chicken and chicken eggs.
“Why didn’t they consult chicken farmers earlier and take remedial action?
“If chicken farmers had given feedback, did the task force discuss with local feed producers on how to produce cheaper feed using palm kernel waste since the cost of feed is the main issue of contention?
“There have been ample studies pertaining to the use of palm kernel cake as an animal feed ingredient since the 1980s,” Mohideen told Scoop, adding that Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia had done research on it as an alternative animal feed.
He also said the use of palm kernel cake has been implemented in Kedah and was found to have significantly reduced farmers’ costs.
Meanwhile, The Federation of Breeders’ Associations of Malaysia said it is concerned that middlemen would raise the price of chicken arbitrarily once the float comes into force.
The federation’s adviser Datuk Jeffrey Ng asked the government to take strict action against irresponsible parties because in the food chain, there will definitely be parties who try to profit from ridiculous prices. – October 30, 2023