Malaysian pork sellers unhappy over rising pig prices

The escalating price of live pigs is taking a toll on Malaysian pork sellers, causing a slowdown in their businesses and raising the possibility of a 20% increase in pork prices before the Chinese New Year.

According to the Selangor and Federal Territory Butchers' Association, pig farmers have increased their prices by almost 45% in the past six months.

Association member Wong Chee Kat, the price of live pigs was MYR760 (US$227.37) per 100kg now, compared to MYR530 (US$158.56) in 2007, adding that the drastic price increase had left pork sellers with little or no profit at all.

Association adviser Datuk Lee Chong Meng said it was ridiculous for farmers to cite increased costs of production because the prices of the main food for pigs, like corn and soy, showed little increase from 2007.

Meanwhile, Domestic Trade Cooperatives and Consumerism Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said pork would be among food items included in the price control list for the Chinese New Year celebration.

"We had set a ceiling price for turkey meat during Christmas last year. So, it is only fair that we include pork for the Chinese New Year," he said.

Meanwhile, the price control will apply from February 7-21.