Consumers in Kedah are complaining of the sudden hike in the price of chicken reaching as high as RM9 per kg.
The 42 per cent hike from the previous RM6.30 per kg over the past few weeks have forced consumers, especially the low-income group, to dig deeper into their pockets.
A random check by the New Straits Times showed many families had begun reducing their intake and switching to fish and beef.
Petty trader Othman Hussain, 47, hoped the authorities would check on the sudden hike considering the festive season was just around the corner.
"My children prefer chicken but I had no choice but to switch to beef or fish because of the steep price," he said.
Kedah Consumers Association chairman Datuk Yusoff Ismail said he was also surprised but the soaring price to between RM8-RM9 per kg.
"The fasting month hasn't started but the price of chicken have gone up.
"I shudder to think what would happen as Hari Raya Aidilfitri approaches if the authorities do not check the matter," he said.
He questioned the claims by some quarters, especially chicken farmers, that the recent haze and a rise in the price of chicken feed, were the reasons.
Kedah Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism director Mohd Sakri Saleh blamed the chicken price hike to a sudden increase in demand for the item.
He said it was a normal thing considering Ramadan was around the corner.
He also said the authorities could only "control" the price of chicken and other essential food and non-items about two weeks before a festive season.
"We are aware of the situation since the price of chicken started to go up about a month ago," he said.
- NST
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