Ceiling price for chicken, eggs extended to June 30, says Nanta

PUTRAJAYA: The ceiling price for chicken and eggs, which is supposed to end on June 5, has been extended until the end of the month, says Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi.

The Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister said the extension was decided by the Cabinet at its weekly meeting on June 1.

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“The extension aims to ensure consumers are prepared for the change in prices when the scheme ends on June 30,” he said.

The ceiling price of standard chicken was set at RM8.90 per kg for four months from Feb 5 to June 5.

The price for whole super chicken is RM9.90 per kg, while ceiling prices for grade A eggs are set at 43 sen per egg, grade B eggs at 41 sen per egg while grade C is 39 sen per egg.

Nanta said the maximum price for chicken and eggs for Langkawi, Sabah, Sarawak and Labuan differs according to zones and districts.

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“As a concerned government, the Finance Ministry will look into the proposal for subsidies to be given to target groups and those in the low-income bracket.

"The study will include the subsidy rate and the right mechanism to channel the aid to tackle the increase in prices when the maximum ceiling price scheme ends,” he added.

The ministry’s enforcement officers will step up surveillance and enforcement to ensure the supply of essential goods is stable and that there is no profiteering.

“Trading communities must be ethical in carrying out their businesses. They must not engage in profiteering just to make an unreasonable profit,” he reminded.