GEORGE TOWN: More families are turning to chicken instead of mutton for their Deepavali dishes this year, to save on expenses and for health reasons too. Traders say younger consumers are now more mindful of what they eat, with many opting for lean meat this festive season.
At Chowrasta Market, butcher Habibulah Ismail, 75, said sales have slowed compared with previous years.
“Last year, I sold about 300kg of mutton over the Deepavali week. I don’t think I will reach that figure again,” added the butcher who has been selling mutton for 50 years.
He said most of his regular customers are older and they stick to mutton due to tradition.
Mutton supplier J. Ganesh, 47, said the shift started a few years ago. “I sold 250kg of mutton in 2023 and 170kg in 2024, with orders so far this year only reaching 120kg,” he added.
He said customers were cutting down on red meat for health reasons, with chicken seen as a cleaner, leaner option.
Ganesh added that the switch also helps families manage their budgets. “Chicken is priced at about RM10 per kg, while local mutton can reach RM65 per kg and RM45 for imported cuts,” he said.
Chicken trader Nasir Kalam, 34, is expecting a busier festive week. “Last year, I sold about 220 birds. This time, I am expecting to sell over 300,” he said, adding that supply and pricing remained stable.
In SEREMBAN, senior state exco member Datuk Seri Jalaluddin Alias said the supply of chicken, mutton and coconuts for Deepavali was sufficient.
The state agriculture, food security and cost of living committee chairman said there will be an additional supply of up to 30 metric tonnes of chicken and five metric tonnes of mutton on a daily basis.
He added that since Deepavali will be celebrated over a long weekend, the authorities have also asked suppliers to provide an additional 40 metric tonnes of beef on a daily basis.
In JOHOR BARU, the supply of mutton and chicken also remained stable.
Johor Indian Petty Traders and Small Business Association chairman D. Ravindran said demand for chicken and mutton had started to rise.
“For now, our members do not have any issues with supplies, and we do not see signs of problems arising over the next few days,” he said.
Econsave Cash & Carry Sdn Bhd (Econsave) general manager Mas Imran Adam said a spike in demand was expected from this weekend.
“Besides coconut, mutton and chicken, demand for potatoes, garlic and onions is also usually high during Deepavali,” he said.
Johor Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry (KPDN) director Lilis Saslinda Pornomo said consumers who experienced shortages of essential items during the festive season should report to the ministry.
