KOTA KINABALU: The state government has been urged to address the issue of expensive fresh chicken in Sabah.
Sabah Umno chief Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin highlighted that the price of chicken in Sabah is nearly or more than double the price in Peninsular Malaysia, which is unacceptable.
"The price of processed or fresh chicken is around RM7 to RM9 per kg in the peninsula, while in Sabah, it ranges from RM12 to RM16.50 per kg," he added.
He noted that these prices are typical during non-festive seasons and are likely to increase during festivities.
Bung expressed surprise at the significant price difference, given no apparent reason for such a disparity in pricing.
He mentioned that previous ministers attributed the price gap to enactments and Acts, allowing for chicken imports in the peninsula.
"For Sabah, the cost is higher because the supply is imported from the peninsula via sea routes, which adds to operational costs," he explained.
However, Bung questioned the necessity for peninsula traders or suppliers to import fresh chicken, given the availability from 10 states with substantial chicken and egg production.
"Perhaps frozen supplies could be considered if needed," he added.
Bung emphasised Sabah's potential in producing its own chicken stocks and live feeds and advised traders and stakeholders to visit states that rear chicken to learn from their practices.
He urged authorities such as the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry to conduct operations to monitor the prices of essential commodities in Sabah.
The National Consumer Foundation (YPNM) for Sabah also urged traders to avoid increasing the prices of essential goods during the upcoming Chinese New Year festive season.
Its Sabah branch chairman David Chan warned that price hikes would impose unnecessary financial burdens on consumers, especially during celebrations with already high expenditures.
Chan emphasised that traders assembling festive hampers must ensure all items included are of good quality and not nearing expiry dates.
"It is both unethical and embarrassing for buyers if hampers sent as gifts contain nearly expired products," he said after receiving public complaints about such issues.
"We have also received complaints about chicken being sold at RM16.50 per kilogram, exceeding the government-controlled price," Chan claimed.
He asserted that essential goods with controlled prices must be sold at or below the stipulated rates, and inflating prices during high demand festive seasons is unacceptable and violates consumer rights.
Chan encouraged consumers noticing irregularities in controlled item prices or unethical practices to lodge complaints with the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry (KPDNHEP).
The public can voice their complaints to the KPDNHEP via WhatsApp at 019-2794317, call 088-484368, or email at e-aduan@kpdnkep.gov.my.
