KUCHING: The Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs (KPDNHEP) is appealing to poultry producers, wholesalers, and retailers in order for them not to drastically hike the prices of chicken when the price scheme is lifted on June 30.
This scheme, known Skim Harga Maksimum Keluarga Malaysia’ (SHMKM) is also known as Malaysian Family Maximum Prices Scheme
Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi said, while it is understandable that the price increase is due to various factors with the world experiencing inflation and disruption in the delivery system among others, his ministry will investigate if there is an element of profiteering.
“If the increase is within the margin, we can accept that seeing as they need to absorb the increase in their operations which is the situation that they are facing,” he said.
Nanta said this when met by reporters after the opening of the Youth and Women convention at the PBB 15th Triennial General Meeting (TGM) at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) here today.
At the same time, the Kapit MP also appealed to consumers to be understanding of the current and real situation.
He pointed out that the nation thus far has been able to achieve over 100 per cent of self-sufficiency level (SSL) in which it produces more than it consumes.
“There are many who are operating chicken farms on small scale having to close down because they cannot manage their business.
“We do not want to get to the level where we have to import chickens (from outside the country),” he said.
When asked whether the government will provide subsidy for this, he said there would be a targeted approach by helping those that are in dire need.
“At the moment, the subsidy given to the poultry industry has blanket coverage and we view that it is not very effective,” he said.
