Raise chicken ceiling price to RM9.90, says Mydin boss

 

Photos of empty racks selling chicken at supermarkets today. (Courtesy of Mydin)

PETALING JAYA: The head of the Mydin hypermarket chain has urged the government to raise the ceiling price for standard chicken to RM9.90 per kg to overcome a severe shortage.

Citing the high cost of chicken feed and the ongoing labour shortage, Mydin managing director Ameer Ali Mydin said the RM8.90 per kg ceiling price from Feb 5 to June 5 was proving to be unfeasible.

With Hari Raya Aidilfitri just around the corner, Ameer said the government has to act fast.

“This is beyond the government’s control. I suggest the government allow market forces to take over, or increase the ceiling price to RM9.90 per kilogramme,” he said.

“At least then people will have chicken on their table. It’s better to have the ceiling price at RM9.90 per kg as it still would be cheaper than beef and fish. It’s still the cheapest source of protein.”

Chicken traders have been reported to have been selling chicken above the controlled price. Many said they had no choice as suppliers were charging RM8.70 per kg.

Ameer said his suppliers often charged him more than the wholesale price of RM7.60 per kg.

One trader in Kuala Lumpur who declined to be named said that while he had a ready supply of chicken, “the prices are so high that I can’t sell”.

FMT has sought comment from the domestic trade and consumer affairs ministry. - FMT