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KUALA LUMPUR – Former Klang MP Charles Santiago has called for the government to make transparent the cost-benefit analysis to explain why the float system is most suited for the prices of chicken and eggs.
He also urged for the Malaysia Competition Commission to release its findings on cartel activities in the poultry and egg industry prior to the introduction of the float system, which is slated for later this year.
“Given that eight firms control 65% of production, how will the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry (MAFS) ensure chicken and egg prices remain affordable to the B60 while also meeting self-sufficiency needs?
“Given these concerns, shouldn’t MAFS make public its cost-benefit analysis, justifying a float system as the best alternative for Malaysia and explain how it works?
“And how would it protect the interests of independent and contract farmers, who are vulnerable at this time given the control by the cartel?” he said in a statement today.
He added that transparency is key as erratic supply and prices of chicken and eggs have been hard on people who are already burdened by job and income losses, especially following the Covid-19 pandemic.
Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu recently announced that the prices of chicken and eggs are expected to be floated after June as part of the government’s efforts to overcome the food shortage.
He also said the prices would be floated so that the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry could monitor and assess the fluctuations in the prices of the goods compared to the current ceiling price.
The current retail ceiling price in Peninsular Malaysia for standard chicken is RM9.40 per kg and for eggs, it is 45 sen for Grade A, 43 sen for Grade B and 41 sen for Grade C. In Langkawi, Sabah, Sarawak and Labuan, the maximum prices of the items differ based on zones and districts. – The Vibes, February 23, 2023