JOHOR BARU: The discussion to review the ceiling price of standard chicken will only be held after Hari Raya Aidilfitri, says Datuk Seri Salahuddin Ayub.
The Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) Minister also said his ministry and the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry (MAFS) were working together to ensure there was enough supply of chicken.
“Our aim right now is to ensure that there is enough supply of chicken and 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 prices and supplies are in check,” he said at a press conference after officiating the Jualan Rahmah Package at the Hwa Thai Supermarket, Uptown Pandan, here, yesterday.
The KPDN was informed by industry players that the supply of chicken and eggs was expected to go up due to huge demand from Ramadan bazaars and the upcoming Hari Raya, he added.
“They (industry players) have given their commitment to ensure a smooth production of these goods so that Malaysians as a whole can benefit during the festive month,” said Salahuddin.
Asked whether the KPDN and MAFS have set any time frame to review the ceiling price after Hari Raya, Salahuddin said the ministry would have to call all the relevant industries for discussion first before bringing the matter up to the Cabinet.
“We will 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 will be reviewed to ensure that people are able to purchase it at a more stable price.
The Cabinet previously decided to set the ceiling price of chicken eggs at 45sen per egg for Grade A, 43sen for Grade B and 41sen for Grade C.
Meanwhile, on the programme, Salahuddin said he was pleased that more supermarkets were now participating in the Payung Rahmah initiative, especially those that offer basic necessities at an affordable price.
“The Hwa Thai supermarket offers three packages priced at RM10, RM20 and RM30, allowing customers to choose any household items within the price range from all 16 stores statewide.
“I am sure that this will benefit those in need, especially with the current fasting month and the upcoming Hari Raya.
“We have also recently introduced Baju Raya Rahmah, where members of the public can get baju raya for as low as RM8,” he said, adding that there were also other boutiques that offer RM149 for four pairs of attire.
Meanwhile, asked to comment on his meeting with Johor Ruler Sultan Ibrahim Ibni Almarhum Sultan Iskandar yesterday morning, the Pulai MP said the discussion was more on how to ensure a smooth flow of management between the federal and state governments.
