April 1, 2009

The price of broiler chickens in Sabah did not decrease despite an announcement by the Federation of Livestock Farmers Association (FLFAM) of Malaysia that nationwide prices had decreased 30 cents a kg.

Broiler chickens in Sabah were still sold at MYR4.70 per kg instead of MYR4.40, according to Datuk Patrick Sindu from the Consumers Association of Sabah and Labuan (Cash), after visiting the General Market in the state.

Traders claimed they were unaware of the price drop, he said.

Surveys by other Cash members at other markets in various districts also found traders selling the broilers at MYR4.70 per kg, he said. 

FLFAM chairman Kwei Yew Tong said chicken prices have dropped again after the first announced drop last Thursday (Mar 26), due to a surplus of chicken supply following the economic downturn.

The price of farm chicken has dropped from MYR3.30 to MYR3 per kg, wholesale price of live chicken from MYR4 to MYR3.70 per kg, and retail price for live chicken from MYR4.70 to MYR4.40 per kg.

The wholesale price of dressed chicken has dropped from MYR4.70 to MYR4.35 per kg, while the retail price of dressed chicken with shank, head, liver and gizzard dropped from MYR5.55 to MYR5.20 per kg.

Retail price of dressed chicken without shank, head, liver and gizzard with the Veterinary Health Mark (VHM) certificate fell from MYR6.90 to MYR6.50 per kg, while those without the certificate dropped from MYR6.20 to MYR5.80 per kg.

Sindu said the situation should be monitored and actions should be taken on traders who did not reduce prices.