March 13, 2008

Malaysia rises chicken price by RM 0.50
 

The price of chicken per kg had increased by RM 0.50 from March 6, 2008, pushing it above the ceiling price.

Chickens are now sold in between RM 6 to RM 6.70 per kg. A live chicken is sold at RM 4.50 per kg while wholesale price of a chicken is RM 5.40 per kg.

The Malaysian Federation of Livestock Farmers Associations has blamed the price hike on rising feed costs and inconsistent consumer demand. Despite so, deputy chairman of the Federation's broiler unit Yap Kim Wah said the farmers have not gained any benefit from the price hike.

Poultry farmers are facing daily losses due to transport and production costs increasing by 100 percent, he said.

Yap added that the Federation had submitted a request to the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry to remove chicken from the list of controlled items. However, this will not be easy, as the Price Control Act 1946 would have to be amended.

Ministry assistant director Mizool Amir Mat Drus said the ministry knew of the price hike but would only act after further probing.

RM 1 = US$0.3 (March 13, 2008)