No shortage of chicken for Raya

But prices not expected to come down as production cost has increased, traders say

GEORGE TOWN: The supply of chicken throughout Ramadan up to Hari Raya will be sufficient but prices are not expected to come down as the production cost keeps increasing.

Mohamad Nasurudeen Amnullah, 48, who sells chicken at the Batu Lanchang market here, said he had ordered less chicken from the supplier even though the demand for chicken would go up in the coming weeks.

“But there is plenty of supply and there is no need to worry about shortage.

“Due to suppliers selling the chicken at higher prices, we ordered less as we may lose money if we order too much,” he said yesterday.

Mohamad Nasurudeen said in January, each bird was about RM6 per kg but the price had increased by 30%.

“Now we are getting our stock at over RM8 per kg, which is quite high,” he said.

Another trader Ching Kang Tai, 39, said he decided to order 30% less stock due to the current situation.

“The demand is there but we have to order less now.

“It is impractical for us to buy chicken from suppliers at RM8.20 per kg and to sell it at a lower price.

“If we sell the chicken at a higher price, the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry will come after us.

“At the same time, it is not possible for us to sell at a lower price because we will suffer losses,” he said.

When they asked their suppliers about the price hike, they were told it was due to an increase in production cost.

“The suppliers said the cost of chicken feed has gone up and they needed to increase their prices if they were to continue feeding the chicken properly in their farms,” said Ching.

The government on Monday announced 12 food items from the four main categories of beef, chicken, eggs and seafood would be put under a price control list.

With Hari Raya approaching and prices of certain essential food items soaring, the price control list will be enforced over a longer period.

Instead of the usual 14 days, price control for this Hari Raya will last for 30 days from April 21 to May 20.