KOTA KINABALU: Urgent action is needed to tackle the rising cost of living in Sabah considering the sharp difference in essential goods prices compared to Peninsular Malaysia, says Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin.
The Sabah Umno chief stressed that the price disparity, which has long burdened Sabahans, must be addressed holistically rather than dismissed with simplistic explanations.
For example, he cited recent reports of chicken prices soaring to RM16.50 per kilogramme in Sabah which had intensified public frustration.
“This is not just about chicken; it is about fairness.
"When a Sabahan can only afford 1kg of chicken while someone in the peninsula can buy 2kg for the same price, this highlights a fundamental issue of inequality,” he said in a statement on Tuesday (Jan 21).
Welcoming ongoing research by Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) and Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas) to determine the root causes of these price gaps, he noted that research alone is not enough as real solutions must follow.
While he acknowledged the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry’s quick response to his earlier statements, he insisted that stronger intervention is needed to protect consumers, urging swift enforcement action against any retailers selling chicken at inflated prices.
“People should not have to report overpriced goods repeatedly before action is taken. There must be proactive monitoring and enforcement,” he said.
He added that Sabah Umno, through its public relations and community consumer affairs council, will submit a formal memorandum and complaint to the ministry on this.
“This is not a new problem, but that does not mean we should just accept it. The government, regardless of past or present leadership, must commit to finding a long-term solution,” he said.
He reiterated that rising prices are not a political issue but a struggle faced by ordinary Sabahans daily.
“This is about the rakyat. The government must act now because the situation is becoming increasingly difficult for lower-income families," he said.
“I urge not just the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry, but all relevant agencies to collaborate in closing this price gap.
"This is about ensuring a better quality of life for Sabahans, who deserve the same access to affordable goods as their counterparts in Peninsular Malaysia,” he said.