KUCHING, July 2: The Malaysian United Democratic Alliance (Muda) Sarawak has urged the Federal and State governments to lower and standardise the prices of chicken and chicken eggs throughout Sarawak so that people in rural areas will not be burdened.
Muda Sarawak executive committee raised this in a statement today in response to the new ceiling retail prices for chicken and chicken eggs in Sarawak effective July 1 to Aug 31, in which prices in Limbang, Lawas, Kapit, Bukit Mabong, Song and Belaga are higher by between RM1.60 and RM3.10 compared to other parts of Sarawak.
“These are rural areas where the average household belongs to the B40 (lower income) group. This will burden the rural people in Limbang, Lawas, Kapit, Song and surrounding areas.
“This matter should be given special attention by the Federal and Sarawak governments.”
The Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs (KPDNHEP) has fixed the maximum retail price for standard whole chicken at RM9.80 per kilogramme and super chicken at RM10.80 in most areas in Sarawak.
However, for Sri Aman, Saratok, Betong and Bintulu, the retail price will be raised slightly at RM10.50/kg for standard chicken and RM 11.50/kg for super chicken; while Kapit, Bukit Mabong, Song and Belaga at RM11.40/kg (standard) and RM12.40 (super); and Limbang and Lawas at RM12.90/kg (standard) and RM13.90/kg (super).
As such, Muda Sarawak urged the government to reconsider the maximum price for the essential goods and provide subsidies to standardise the prices throughout the State.
In addition, they also called for a Sarawak regional committee on the implementation of the National Food Security Policy Action Plan 2021-2025, announced by Prime Minister Dato Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, to be established immediately.
“This committee should comprise government agencies, academic experts and stakeholders to discuss food security issues, especially in Sarawak.
“It is hoped that enforcement can be enhanced to ensure that no wholesaler or seller arbitrarily raises the prices more than the maximum price. Strict action must be taken against these irresponsible individuals and companies to safeguard the welfare of the people of Sarawak,” Muda Sarawak demanded. — DayakDaily
