Malaysia includes poultry products among price-control goods

Live chicken, standard chicken, super chicken and chicken eggs (grade A, B, C) are among eleven products listed as price control goods for the Chinese New Year celebration from February 10-21.

The price of live chicken was set between MYR5.85 (US$1.70) to MYR6.10 (US$1.78) a kg in the peninsular, MYR6.30 (US$1.84) to MYR8.70 (US$2.54) in Sabah, Sarawak and MYR6.30 (US$1.84) in Labuan, while Standard chicken prices range from MYR6.90 (US$2.01) to MYR7.20 (US$2.10) a kg in the peninsular, MYR9.30 (US$2.71) to MYR10.30 (US$3.00) in Sabah, Sarawak and MYR9.30 (US$2.71) in Labuan.

According to Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, pork was also among the products listed - the first time pork was listed under price-control goods.

"The price of pork has been set as MYR14 (US$4.08) in the peninsular, MYR10 (US$2.92) to MYR16 (US$4.67) in Sabah and Sarawak and MYR20 in Labuan," Sabri said.

He added that since pork was included in the list for the first time, pork sellers must get a special licence issued by the ministry, for free.

Earlier, pork sellers urged the Veterinary Department to allow the import of chilled pork for all the three major Chinese festivals, as demand is expected to rise by up to 50%.