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RETAIL prices for chicken eggs across Malaysia have remained largely unchanged despite the government halving its subsidy to five sen per egg, the first step in a full withdrawal of support due by August 1.
A nationwide survey by Bernama found no immediate price hikes, with traders citing stable supply and consumer demand as the main factors.
In Kuala Lumpur, trader Lee Chun Sian, 48, who runs a stall at the Raja Bot Market, said prices had yet to shift and suggested market stability would persist so long as distribution remained smooth.
“Even without subsidies, prices shouldn’t go up much if the supply is consistent,” he said. At his stall, Grade A eggs were still retailing at RM12.30 per tray, Grade B at RM9.30, Grade C at RM9.00 and Grade D at RM8.10.
Another trader, 75-year-old Madam Wong, noted that the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) had maintained inspections to prevent unjustified price manipulation.
“We’ve received the new pricing list, but we’ll meet next week to decide if a price revision is necessary. If we raise them too much, customers will complain,” she said.
In Shah Alam, shopper Nurul Othman, 47, warned against panic buying in response to the subsidy cut.
“It’s panic buying that disrupts supply. There’s no need to hoard, just buy as usual,” she advised.
In Perlis, grocer Seong, 51, confirmed that prices remained static for the moment. “If new stock comes in at a higher cost, there might be a small increase. We’ll wait and see,” he said.
Retiree Abu Bakar Din, 54, from Arau, said he was insulated from rising costs thanks to targeted aid under the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) programme. “Eggs are a staple in cooking. Whether prices go up or down, we still need to buy them,” he said. Under SARA, recipients can use monthly credits linked to their MyKad to buy essentials, including eggs.
In Perak, state executive councillor Woo Kah Leong said that KPDN would intensify enforcement efforts should egg prices rise. He encouraged consumers to take advantage of government-backed MADANI Rahmah sales, where essential goods are sold below market prices. Grade C eggs are currently available there for as little as RM6 per tray.
Kelantan food vendor Fauzi Ramli, 32, expressed concern over possible price manipulation at the wholesale level. “Recent price drops helped lower my operating costs. I just hope prices stay manageable,” he said.
In Sabah, supermarket supervisor Mohd Zulkifli Razak said the market had yet to feel the full effects of the subsidy cut, as retailers were still selling from old stock.
“We expect to see some changes when new stock arrives in a week or two. If prices rise, we hope it’s minimal,” he said.
In the more remote Tambunan district, grocer Karim Shah Abdullah, 52, said consistent stock availability was the real determinant of prices. “Stock availability is what drives price shifts here,” he explained.
The phased removal of egg subsidies is part of broader reforms under the government’s subsidy rationalisation plan, aimed at targeting assistance more effectively while reducing fiscal leakage. - May 1, 2025