MUKAH: The discontinuation of chicken subsidies and price controls will have an impact, says Senior Fellow at the Institute of Future Malaysia Dr Madeline Berma.
“Without subsidies and controls, consumers will understandably be concerned about a sudden increase in retail chicken prices.
“This will further raise the cost of living as chicken is one of the staple foods of the Malaysians, leading to panic buying of chicken.
“For food establishments or restaurants, the increase in chicken prices will reduce their profit margins,” she told Suara Sarawak.
She further said that chicken producers or farmers will take advantage of this to raise chicken prices.
“Small businesses can also reopen, as they had to shut down operations before due to rising input costs, even though prices were controlled.
“In this regard, the government needs to ensure an adequate supply of chicken at reasonable prices and carry out close monitoring.
“This is to ensure that retail prices do not increase suddenly, and chicken prices remain reasonable,” she added.
