Govt will closely monitor high mutton prices

PUTRAJAYA: The price of mutton is closely monitored to ensure that there is no profiteering, says the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry.

It said that it is monitoring the price of mutton even though the meat product is not in the list of controlled items.

The ministry explained that although imported boned mutton is only a controlled item during Deepavali and Christmas, it monitors the food item’s price trend daily.

“Enforcement is carried out against profiteering not just during the festive season maximum price scheme but throughout the year.

“This is to ensure that traders carry out business responsibly and do not engage in unreasonable profiteering,” said enforcement director-general Azman Adam on Wednesday (July 27).

ALSO READ: Local mutton to cost more soon

The Star reported that with fewer farmers now rearing goats, local mutton is expected to cost more in the coming months, particularly during the Deepavali period when the demand for the meat increases.

The Malaysian Indian Restaurant Owners Association had said the usual mutton curry and mutton varuval is now a luxury item at restaurants.

For now, a kilogram of mutton is priced at RM65.

According to Azman, the ministry had received seven complaints on the price of mutton in 2021 while as of July 25 this year, there had been three complaints on the same issue.

He explained that only imported boned mutton is placed in the control item list during Deepavali and Christmas because it is most sought after by consumers during the festivities.

He said that 1,000 officers were involved in monitoring the prices of goods daily, including the price of boned mutton.

Based on price monitoring, the national average price of imported boned mutton from Australia is RM38.51 per/kg as of July 24, while in January, the price was RM38.15.

The current price of the same produce from New Zealand is RM41.41 per/kg while in January, it was priced at RM37.86.

Boneless mutton from Australia (minus thigh) is now sold at RM48.34 per/kg and RM48.75 per/kg (New Zealand).

Azman said the ministry has multiple channels for consumers to report discrepancies, urging them to provide accurate and complete information when lodging reports.