Chicken prices rise RM1 to RM2.50 per kilogram in Malaysia

PETALING JAYA – Traders in Malaysia are grappling with a significant increase in chicken prices, which have reportedly climbed by RM1 to RM2.50 per kilogram since the period before Eid al-Adha. This surge is squeezing profit margins for market vendors and forcing consumers to spend more cautiously.

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If suppliers don't raise prices, we in the market won't either. It's difficult for us to sell chicken at such high prices because customers buy less.

Vendors at Pasar Seksyen 14, like Burhanudin Bajuri, 49, explained that they are often blamed for the price hikes, but the issue lies with suppliers. "If suppliers don't raise prices, we in the market won't either," he stated. "It's difficult for us to sell chicken at such high prices because customers buy less." Bajuri noted he buys chicken from suppliers at RM9.50 per kilogram and sells it for around RM12, earning a slim profit, especially as market sales are lower than those in supermarkets.

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Before, customers bought a whole chicken or several chickens a week; now they only buy half a chicken or one to reduce expenses.

Customers are increasingly budget-conscious due to the current economic climate, leading them to reduce the quantity of chicken they purchase. "Before, customers bought a whole chicken or several chickens a week; now they only buy half a chicken or one to reduce expenses," Bajuri observed. He believes suppliers are taking advantage of the school holidays and Eid al-Adha to raise prices, even though supply remains adequate. "This is their game," he asserted, predicting prices will drop after the holidays.

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Customers are indeed decreasing because the high price causes them to choose to buy at supermarkets which offer cheaper prices.

Bibi Abd. Rashid, 43, a trader at Pasar Jalan Othman, reported a RM2 per kilogram increase, noting that customers are opting for cheaper options, often at supermarkets. Meanwhile, Hazman Dolhamid in Shah Alam cited drastically increased logistics costs for producers and suppliers as the reason for raising retail prices to RM10.50 per kilogram from about RM9.50. "When we refer this matter to the suppliers, they also complain about excessively high operating costs," he said.

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When we refer this matter to the suppliers, they also complain about excessively high operating costs.