JOHOR BARU: Discussions to review the ceiling price of standard chicken will only be held after the Hari Raya Aidilfitri is over, says Datuk Seri Salahuddin Ayub.
The Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister said that his ministry recently met with the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry and set the current focus to ensure the supply of chicken was enough.
"Our aim right now is to ensure that there is enough supply of chicken and that it is sold at the ceiling price during the fasting month of Ramadan and Hari Raya Aidilfitri in Syawal.
"The ministry has also conducted daily checks on supermarkets and grocery stores to ensure that the prices and supplies are in check," he said.
He said this when met by reporters after officiating the Rahmah Package at Hwa Thai Supermart, Uptown Pandan, here, on Saturday (April 1).
The Ministry has also been informed by industry players that the supply of chicken and eggs was expected to go up following the huge demand from Ramadan bazaars and the upcoming Hari Raya celebrations, he added.
"They (the industry players) have given their commitment to ensure smooth production of these goods so that Malaysians as a whole can benefit during these festive months," said Salahuddin.
Asked if the both ministries had set any time-frame to review the ceiling price after Hari Raya, Salahuddin said that the ministry would have to call all the relevant industries for discussion first before bringing the matter up at the Cabinet.
"We would need to convince the Cabinet on why we should increase the ceiling price (of chicken)," he added.
On Jan 13, The Star reported that the ceiling price of standard chicken at RM9.40 per kg would be reviewed to ensure that people were able to purchase it at a more stable price.
