Georgie Abas speaking to a chicken trader at the city market.
KOTA KINABALU: Chicken prices in Sabah still cost the same on the first day after subsidies and price control for the item were discontinued.
The Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry (KPDN) director for Sabah, Georgie Abas, said although subsidies for chicken prices have been removed starting on Wednesday (Nov 1), KPDN Sabah will continue to monitor the price of goods under the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011.
“This is to ensure that traders do not make unreasonable profit and manipulate the price of chicken in the market,” he said in a statement after surveying the price of chicken in some areas around the city.
He said apart from the maintained prices, the supply of chicken was also sufficient and was not causing any form of panic buying.
“Our officials will conduct spot checks regularly to ensure that the sale of all food stock, essentials, and other controlled items are following existing laws,” said Abas.
A supplier's chicken stock.
Awareness and educational programmes will also be conducted so that traders operate ethically and customers know their rights, he added.
For the record, KPDN Sabah has conducted 68,400 inspections on premises statewide between January and Oct 31 this year.
From this, 1,162 cases have been recorded under the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011, Metric Weights and Measures Act 1972 and Supply Controls Act 1961 with a total compound of RM189,450 issued, said Abas.
He said the total seizures amounted to over RM5.6mil, and fines of RM123,000 were issued.
Abas said KPDN officials will always be on alert for suspected wrongdoings under the law.
He also urged the public to provide information about suspected wrongdoings or make enquiries via WhatsApp at 019-279 4317 or 019-848 8000; reach out to the complaints portal at e-aduan.kpdn.gov.my; Call Centre at 1-800-886-800; or send an email to e-aduan@kpdn.gov.my; Ez ADU KPDN; contact the Enforcement Command
Centre at 03 – 8882 6088 / 6245; or write to the nearest KPDN office.
