Prices of dressed chicken remain stable in Sarawak
KUCHING: Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs (KPDNHEP) Sarawak is actively monitoring the prices of dressed chicken and chicken parts throughout the state after social media went abuzz with price increase at markets in the peninsula.
“A total of 285 enforcers from nine KPDNHEP branches are inspecting markets, farmers markets and supermarkets,” stated the ministry's spokesperson in a press statement yesterday.
According to him, as on July 5, a total of 57 notices under the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011 have been issued with 42 notices served to traders in markets, 10 to suppliers and five to farmers.
“According to the National Price Council Division, KPDNHEP Sarawak's average price for standard whole chicken from January to July is between RM6.90 and RM8.50 per kilogramme.
“In fact, monitoring on July 5 showed that Emart Tabuan Jaya and H&L Aiman Mall, Kota Samarahan are selling standard dressed chicken at below market price of RM4.99 and RM4.89 per kilogramme,” he said, adding that supply also affects the price.
Recently, director of KPDNHEP Sarawak Dato Stanley Tan and his team inspected K&L Farming Industries Sdn Bhd along Kuching-Serian Road to monitor and obtain information on chicken supply.
“The farm manager said there is sufficient supply with production of 14,000 birds a day,” stated Tan.
The other major farms in the state – QL Livestock Farming Sdn Bhd and Central Coldstorage Kuching Sdn Bhd produce an average of 8,000 and 35,000 birds a day respectively which is sufficient to meet the needs of consumers in the state.
“Hence, just buy according to needs and avoid wastage,” he advised.
Meanwhile, under Section 14 of Price Control and Anti-Profit Act (AKHAP) 2011, individuals are liable to a fine of up to RM100,00 or imprisonment up to three years or both; while companies can be fined up to RM500,000 if convicted for profiteering.
Consumers may lodge complaints by calling the ministry's hotline at 1-800-886800 or at e-aduan kpdnhep portal http://e-aduan.kpdnhep.gov.my or send WhatsApp message to 019-2794317. Alternatively, drop by at the nearest KPDNHEP branch.
During RMCO, KPDNHEP Sarawak Enforcement Command Centre is open from 8.30am to 5.30pm daily.
For Kuching, call 082-466052; Sri Aman (083-323836); Sarikei (084657751); Sibu (084-335622); Kapit (084-799678); Bintulu (086-332176); Miri ( 085-412862); Limbang (085217414); Mukah (084-872726); and Lawas (085-283650).