Chicken prices in Sabah remain unchanged after the removal of chicken subsidies.
Various supermarkets and suppliers still maintain the same prices as before, ranging from RM11.60 to RM13 per kg for normal slaughtered white chickens.
Live chickens cost around RM8 to RM9 per kg for normal types.
Laindey Limpuong, a chicken supplier from Keningau, stated that he will adhere to the market price of chicken for now.
Consumers expressed hopes that the removal of subsidies would not cause a steep increase in prices and instead lead to a decrease in chicken prices and other essential items.
62-year-old homemaker Sheilla Jacob from Penampang stated, “I am not too sure what a price float would mean but I just hope it would not cause a spike in the price of chicken.”
The Director of the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry for Sabah, Georgie Abas, assured that the ministry will continue monitoring the price of goods under the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011 despite the removal of chicken subsidies.
Abas remarked, “This is to ensure that traders do not make unreasonable profits and manipulate the price of chicken in the market,” after inspecting chicken prices in certain areas.
He emphasized that the stock of chicken remains sufficient and there is no indication of panic buying.
Abas added, “Our officials will conduct patrols and checks on a regular basis to ensure that the sales of all food stock, essentials, and other controlled items are in accordance with existing laws.”
Awareness and educational programs will also be conducted to promote ethical trading practices and educate customers about their rights.
The ministry’s branch in Sabah has conducted 68,400 inspections across the state from January to October 31 this year.
During this period, a total of 1,162 cases have been recorded under the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011, Metric Weights and Measures Act 1972, and Supply Controls Act 1961, resulting in a total fine of RM189,450.
The total seizures amounted to over RM5.6 million, with fines of RM123,000 issued.
Abas warned all traders to comply with the laws and stated that ministry officials will be vigilant in detecting any suspected wrongdoing.
He urged the public to report any suspected wrongdoing or make enquiries through various channels, such as WhatsApp, the complaints portal, the call centre, email, or by contacting the nearest ministry office.
