THE discontinuation of the chicken subsidy by the Federal Government has not led to any significant spikes in chicken prices.
Following the announcement by Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu that chicken subsidies and price controls would cease on Nov 1, a random survey was conducted by Buletin Mutiara at several markets as well as a supermarket to assess the impact on chicken prices.
At the Seberang Jaya market, it was found that chicken prices had slightly increased, with the current rate at RM9.80 per kilogram. This price marginally exceeds the previous ceiling price of RM9.40 per kilogram.
Abdul Talib Mansor, a 64-year-old chicken seller with 30 years of experience, explained that the price adjustment was made to account for expenses such as packaging materials and workers’ wages.
“Actually, the current price is lower than before, which was RM10.50 per kilogram. After the price was floated, we agreed to sell at RM9.80, taking into account the costs of other materials.
“The price of chicken has not risen sharply because there is a stable and sufficient supply from our suppliers,” Abdul Talib said.
In contrast, at the Jalan Benggali, Teluk Air Tawar market, Muhamad Kamal Tajuddin, aged 68, stated that the selling price of chicken had decreased from RM9.40 to RM8.80 per kilogram.
According to him, the supplier has reduced the price of chicken by RM0.30 per kilogram.
“I sell chicken to my loyal customers who are mostly residents of the suburbs, and they have low incomes. So, the price cannot be too expensive.
“Although the profit obtained is not much, the important thing is that customers still come here and buy as usual,” he said.
Muhamad Kamal noted that the supply of chicken is sufficient and easily obtained from suppliers.
“There is no panic buying by consumers following the Government’s announcement of the subsidy discontinuation.
“I am just a little worried about the possibility of a sharp increase in the price, which I hope will not occur,” Muhamad Kamal added.
Similarly, Pasar Segar Al Falah owner Mohd Munir Deraman, 45, reported a decrease in the price of fresh chicken, which is now sold at RM8.90 per kilogram.
“For the past two days, the price of chicken has decreased compared to before, which was sold at RM9.40 per kilogram.
“The supply of chicken from suppliers is also not a problem and we hope that there will be no sudden increase (price) for now,” Mohd Munir added.
Fauzi Ahmad, a 52-year-old chicken seller, said chicken is still sold at the same price of RM8.90 per kilogram.
“The demand for chicken meat remains as usual, except for those who run food businesses.
“We are also receiving the supply as usual. So, I do not expect the price of chicken to hike in the near future,” he added.
At the Pacific Komtar supermarket, supervisor, Khoo Boon Huat, 53, noted that the price of chicken remains unchanged at RM10.40 per kilogram.
“There is no increase in the price here at our supermarket.
“These chickens are imported from Thailand, which may explain why the selling price is quite high.
“Moreover, most of the buyers of chicken meat here are foreigners compared to our locals as there are many other outlets nearby,” he added.
Story by Tanushalini Moroter
Pix by Siti Nuratikah Rahmat