SANDAKAN – Despite a recent reduction in egg prices in Sabah, the anticipated drop in food prices at local eateries has yet to materialise.
Sellers attribute this to the rising cost of other ingredients and inadequate enforcement.
The local community has also given mixed reactions following the price adjustment, which saw a decrease of 3 sen per egg, equating to RM0.90 per tray (30 eggs) for Grades A, B, and C.
While the reduction in egg prices might seem like a welcome relief, many local food vendors argue that it has not translated into lower costs for their customers.
A local baker, Noorasvilla Muhamma, explained that the minor reduction in egg prices is overshadowed by the increasing costs of other key baking ingredients such as cocoa products and cheese.
“I have also been studying the prices of other bakers and bakeries, the prices remain the same. Maybe RM0.90 per tray is not much of a difference because the cost for other ingredients has increased,” she told Scoop.
Similarly, Jason Pang, a chicken rice shop owner, pointed out a peculiar practice where shops mix controlled-priced eggs with omega eggs, which are not subject to price controls. This mixture means that customers end up paying more overall.
“They are selling the eggs like this, if one wants to buy eggs, they must buy 70% of Grade A, B, or C eggs, and 30% of omega eggs. I believe this is to ensure that their omega eggs would sell since omega eggs’ price is not controlled.
“For an eatery owner like myself, if I want to buy five trays of eggs, one tray would have to be omega eggs. So, if you do the calculation, it is more expensive,” he said, adding that he too was unable to reduce the prices of the food he sells.
Pang said that the good news should come with strengthened enforcement from the authorities to avoid sellers taking advantage of the situation.
Elopura Warisan assemblyman Calvin Chong has voiced concerns over the limited availability of Grade A, B, and C eggs in supermarkets, while omega eggs remain in ample supply. He questioned the effectiveness of the price reduction if consumers are forced to purchase the more expensive omega eggs.
“If the supply runs out, people would have no choice but to buy the omega eggs which could reach up to RM21.49 per tray. What is the point of reducing the egg prices then?” he asked.
Like the rest of the country, the prices of Grade A, B, and C eggs in Sandakan have decreased by 3 sen last Monday (June 17), now retailing at RM0.48, RM0.47, and RM0.46 per egg respectively.
The same prices are applied in other Sabah east coast districts, including Kinabatangan, Beluran, Tongod, Telupid, Tawau, Kalabakan, Semporna, Lahad Datu, and Kunak.
Meanwhile, Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry Sandakan branch chief enforcement officer Azdy Zukkry John denied rumours of a supply shortage.
“This year to date, the Sandakan ministry branch has not received a single complaint about insufficient egg supply. We also ensure that the supplier is delivering supplies to all the supermarkets in Sandakan according to schedule, every day except for Sundays.
“However, we will be issuing an official statement regarding this matter soon,” he told Scoop.
Regarding Pang’s claims, Azdy said they have yet to receive complaints, but will still investigate the matter.
Recently, Sabah National Consumer Foundation chairman David Chan said the state welcomed the announcement of the price drop in eggs, adding that those in the B40 group would benefit most.
Local civil servant, Evanalyn Longinus, told Scoop that she was thankful for the good decision from the federal government, especially so that a lot of families consume eggs daily.
“3 sen is not a lot, but I am sure it will be of help for some families in need. However, I hope this (reduced egg prices) will not mean that the government is to raise the prices of chicken next,” she said. – June 23, 2024