April 13, 2022

Malaysian consumer group calls for increasing chicken ceiling price

The Malaysia Consumers Movement has supported calls to increase the chicken ceiling price from MYR 8.90 (~US$2.10; MYR 1 = US$0.24) per kg to MYR 9.90 (~US$2.34) per kg because of a shortage of the meat, Free Malaysia Today reported.

Darshan Singh, president of the Malaysia Consumers Movement, said they support Ameer Ali Mydin, managing director of nationwide hypermarket chain Mydin to increase the chicken ceiling price as it would encourage farmers to maintain production.

He said if chicken farmers stop producing to avoid losses, they will be no more chicken to sell.

Darshan said all stakeholders should be engaged to look into cost components and measures as a way to solve soaring costs.

Rising livestock feed costs and a labour shortage in Malaysia has resulted in a chicken meat shortage.

Some traders are reportedly selling above the government mandated ceiling price for chicken as suppliers are charging MYR 8.70 (~US$2.06) per kg. The ceiling price is in force until June 5, 2022.

Carmelo Ferlito, chief executive officer of the Centre for Market Education said removing the ceiling price will result in a temporary price increase, which may lead to more supply before prices cool off again. 

-      Free Malaysia Today