KAJANG: The price of fresh chicken has surged by RM1.10 per kilogramme (kg), reaching RM10.50, a noticeable increase from RM9.40 just a week ago.
A survey by Berita Harian at Kajang found that most traders were selling fresh poultry above the RM10 mark due to the price hike imposed by wholesalers.
Chicken trader, Bustaman Aziz, 37 said the increase began on Oct 14, during a period when the government had yet to announce floating prices for chicken and eggs.
"Last Saturday, we bought chicken at a higher price. When we asked why, the supplier said the price they received from the wholesaler had also increased.
"We, as market traders, had to raise our prices. Although we raised the prices since last week, our customers did not complain. Those who often go to the market will notice the price difference.
"Indeed, the announced price is RM9.40, but we cannot afford to offer that price now," he said.
An anonymous trader said the prices they charged were nearly identical to the cost they received from the wholesaler.
"Indeed, there is an increase, but for me, it is not a big problem because the price charged is still reasonable after taking into account all costs," he said.
Yesterday, BH reported that the price of fresh chicken sold around Johor Baru also increased by RM1 to RM10.50 per kg, in contrast to only RM9.50 last month.
The Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry's state office assured consumers that the supply and pricing of chicken in the state are being closely monitored and continue to adhere to the government's controlled price.
Its director, Norena Jaafar said this finding was obtained through continuous monitoring by Price Monitoring officers and daily inspections by the ministry's state office.
Meanwhile, the Federation of Livestock Farmers' Association (FLFAM) advisor, Datuk Jeffery Ng Choon Ngee emphasised that there are currently no supply issues with fresh chicken in Malaysia.
"The reason for the increase in chicken prices is because traders do not know that the ceiling price for chicken in the market is still in effect at RM9.40. Enforcement needs to be carried out to monitor today's increase.
"Some traders think the price ceiling has been lifted and some are taking advantage. The floating price will be announced by the Agriculture and Food Security ministry later," he said.
