June 16, 2008
Chicken prices up in Malaysia despite drop in ex-farm
Chicken sellers have increased their prices despite a 60 sen per kilo drop in ex-farm prices, says Federation of Livestock Farmers Association of Malaysia (FLFAM).
According to the Star Online the association's broiler unit chairman Kwei Yew Tong said that the increase was justifiable considering the recent hike in fuel prices.
Kwei said that as of yesterday ex-farm prices stood at RM4 per kilogramme but added he had read reports that the market price had risen to RM7 per kilogramme in several places.
''The ex-farm price has gone down because it is dependent on supply and demand, and currently, the demand has slumped.
''Chicken sellers have had to increase their prices to offset costs in transportation and other expenses. This is in addition to the drop in sales too,'' he told the Star.
Kwei confirmed that many chicken sellers were forced to close shop because they could not cope with basic costs.
Malaysia has a ceiling price for chickens sold on the market, which has affected many in the chicken industry amid high feed prices.
