Importance of eggs in M'sian diet main reason for price cut, says Anwar

BUTTERWORTH: The government was prompted to lower the price of eggs as they are the most commonly consumed food by Malaysian families, especially lower-income households, says the Prime Minister.

Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said a study found that Malaysians can consume four eggs a day on average, which was the reason for the government’s decision to use savings from subsidies to lower the price by three sen.

"We called the (egg producers) and asked them to lower their profits to help ease the people's burden.

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"We did not ask them to run at a loss, just to lower their profits," he said in his speech when visiting the Aidiladha Korban Perdana sacrificial ceremony at Masjid Jamek Cerok Tokun Bawah, Bukit Mertajam here on Tuesday (June 18).

“If there are other ways to help with subsidies and saving money, I will make the effort," he added.

On Monday (June 17), the retail price of Grade A, B and C eggs across the country was reduced by three sen as part of the government’s new subsidy initiative.

Anwar said the new prices were set at 42 sen (Grade A), 40 sen (Grade B) and 38 sen (Grade C).

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He noted that the subsidy would involve government expenditure of around RM100mil, covering up to 10 sen per egg.

Retail prices for eggs in Sabah, Sarawak and Labuan will be adjusted according to the respective zones and districts, he added.