KUALA LUMPUR – Despite a recent dip in chicken prices across major supermarket chains, customers at wet markets who preferred “fresher” poultry products remain apprehensive about potential price increases in the weeks ahead.
Checks by Scoop earlier today revealed that chicken prices have generally decreased in supermarkets nationwide following the removal of subsidies and price control mechanisms.
Supermarket chains such as Mydin, NSK Trade City, and Lotus Malaysia have significantly lowered their prices for poultry items per kg, which were priced at RM9.40 under the subsidised rate yesterday.
However, as the upcoming festive seasons approach, Scoop interviewed several wet market customers who purchased poultry products today and voiced their concerns about possible impending price hikes.
Miss Lim, 50, who buys chicken pieces such as bones and feet for RM40 twice a week to feed stray dogs, stated that chicken typically costs about RM6 per 1kg bag.
“We hope the price of chicken remains as low as possible, but if it doesn’t, we’ll have to accept it.
“It also depends on the vendor. If we are regular customers, they may provide a small discount, which we greatly appreciate.”
She added that with the overall cost of chicken and petrol, it is challenging to stay content, especially when subsidies are removed.
Generally, consumers head to wet markets to purchase fresh chicken products, as they claim that supermarkets mostly offer the product in frozen form.
On Monday, the government announced the discontinuation of chicken subsidies and price controls for meat, starting November 1, when poultry prices will be determined by market forces. The current ceiling price for chicken is RM9.40 per kg.
Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu said that retailers would be monitored by the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry to prevent profiteering.
Subsidies for local eggs, however, will continue. He also mentioned that the government is ready to explore foreign sources for additional chicken supplies if prices surge.
Emi Jamiah Shahar, 60, who works as a traditional kuih seller, expressed concerns about the fluctuating chicken prices.
She believes that food sellers will face difficulties as customers may be unwilling to buy if the prices are higher.
“I’ve noticed that after the movement control order, as business owners, we feel the burden of rising prices. Our business is declining.”
She said that her friend, a wet market seller, is struggling to attract customers, as people prefer the convenience and air-conditioning of supermarkets.
Rita Aidilfitri, 37, is a confectionery seller who spends RM80 per week on chicken to prepare meals for her family.
“The prices of all goods are increasing, but we still have to buy food daily.
“The chicken stock hasn’t decreased, but the egg stock might have. As consumers, we still need to purchase these food items, even if prices rise.”
A senior citizen purchasing chicken drumsticks at the Petaling Jaya old town wet market to make herbal medicine expressed her perspective.
“If chicken prices become unaffordable, I’ll stop eating chicken and everything else.
“I’ll go back to the era when we grew our own vegetables, it’s cheaper that way. I experienced that when I was young in the 1950s, so I’m okay with it.” – November 1, 2023