Price Hikes Also Occur in East Coast, North

Chicken prices in several regions of Malaysia have seen fluctuations, with significant increases reported in the lead-up to and during the recent Hari Raya Aidiladha celebration and school holidays.

In Setiu, Terengganu, the price of chicken climbed multiple times over the week preceding Hari Raya Aidiladha, peaking at RM10.50 per kilogram. A slight decrease of 30 sen per kilogram was noted recently, offering some relief to consumers who had been impacted by the rising cost of this staple food.

Local vendor Zakaria Samsudin, 59, explained that the price had increased incrementally, with each rise adding 30 to 40 sen. He noted a total increase of RM1.40 across five separate hikes, attributing this to rising operational costs, including feed and transportation.

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After several increases, the price has now dropped by about 30 sen per kilogram. Although the decrease is not very significant, at least consumers can save a little.

Meanwhile, in Penang, the price of chicken surged in tandem with the start of the school holidays in late May, driven by increased consumer demand. Mohd. Nasir Abdul Kalam, a trader, reported that wholesale chicken prices have reached approximately RM8 per kilogram, up from RM7.80 previously. This has consequently pushed retail prices to between RM10 and RM11 per kilogram, depending on market conditions. Traders have not been provided with detailed explanations from wholesalers regarding the specific reasons for these price hikes.

In Kelantan, chicken prices rose by RM1 per kilogram within the past week. Despite the increase, consumer demand for chicken to meet daily household needs remained consistent. A survey at Pasar Siti Khadijah showed fresh chicken selling for RM9 to RM9.50 per kilogram, compared to RM7.90 to RM8.20 before the Hari Raya Aidiladha period. Trader Mohd. Hakis Fauzi, 29, suggested that the price increase was influenced by a difference in chicken sizes, with larger birds being sold compared to before.

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Wholesalers usually just inform us of the new price without providing further explanation on the reasons for the increase.