May 26, 2004

Malaysia To Review Of Ceiling Price Of Chicken

The current price of chicken should be reviewed, according to Malaysia's Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Deputy Minister Datuk Kerk Choo Ting. 

Kerk stated his ministry had suggested to the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry that the ceiling price of chicken be based on factors such as the current price of chicken feed and production cost, as well as farm and retail profits.  

"The suggestion is to protect both the consumers and chicken farmers, and to create a win-win situation," he said, adding that his ministry had collected information on profits, production cost and expenses from chicken farmers and sellers.  

However, Kerk said, it was up to the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry to decide whether to change the current price system. 

Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry parliamentary secretary Hoo Seong Chang told the daily that his ministry had yet to decide whether to accept the suggestion. 

He said: "We are still discussing the problem. Once we have decided we will inform the farmers and consumers." 

China Press reported that Federation of Livestock Farmers Association of Malaysia (FLFAM)'s broiler unit proposed that the ceiling price be raised from RM3.50 per kilo to RM4.40 per kilo. 

The unit's chairman, Yap Kim Hwah, said this would prevent chicken farmers from suffering losses. 

"The current ceiling price has not been revised since 1998," Yap said, adding that the production cost of chicken was above the ceiling price.