Labuan still dealing with egg shortage

LABUAN: Consumers on this dutyfree island are still finding it hard to get eggs.

Labuan Veterinary Services Department deputy director Dr Larry David said the shortage was due to a limited supply from Sabah poultry farms and a surge in demand.

“We requested one million eggs per month, approved by the Sabah Veterinary Services Department in November last year, but records show we only received 750,000 eggs from suppliers.

“Labuan previously received two million eggs every month, and one million is insufficient to meet the rise in demand here,” he told Bernama.

Elfriene S. Aguinaldo, manager of Labuan’s largest hypermarket Bataras Sdn Bhd, said they received 3,000 trays of eggs (Grades A, B, C and premium grade) in two batches weekly.

“Of the 3,000, at least 30% are channelled to our branch at the Financial Park Complex and the rest is left on our shelves for our regular bake shop and walk-in customers.

“The supply of eggs can last for a day after arrival. As a result, we are experiencing supply issues across our fresh egg range.

“We are working hard to resolve these issues and apologise for any inconvenience,” he said.

Elfriene said Grade A eggs are sold at RM15.30 (RM14.70 previously) per tray; Grade B, RM15 (RM14.40; Grade C, RM14.70 (RM14.10); which is an increase of between 40sen and 60sen.

“Looking at the rise in demand for eggs, the supply to Bataras should be increased,” he added.

The Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry’s Labuan director Junaidah Arbain said despite the tight supply situation, prices are still within ceiling levels.

“Supply has remained stable over the last few months amid a slight increase in prices,” she said.

She added that there were public complaints about the exorbitant price of eggs but they involved premium grades which are not controlled by the ministry.