GEORGE TOWN: The Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry (KPDNHEP), Penang has issued 37 Goods Information Verification Notices (NPMB) and 12 Written Notices (NB) to poultry breeders, wholesalers and traders in the state.
Its director Mohd Ridzuan Ab Ghapar said the action was taken during inspection and monitoring into the cause of the increase in chicken prices in public markets in Penang.
According to him, the inspection and monitoring was carried out by the state KPDNHEP enforcement section on the chicken supply chain.
"We have issued 37 NPMBs and 12 NBs to breeders, wholesalers and traders.
"Traders are given five days for NB notices and two days for NPMB notices to provide information on chicken price increases for analysis to identify the cause of the price increase.
"It is aimed at ensuring there is no price increase which contributes to unreasonable profits," he said today.
Mohd Ridzuan warned that any parties found trying to make unreasonable profits would be subjected to stern action under the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011.
"We have held an engagement session with breeders, wholesalers and traders in the state to help stabilise chicken prices at the supply chain level as well as in public markets.
"As a result of discussions at all levels, the price of chicken throughout Penang had shown a decrease in line with the commitment of the ministry and breeders and wholesalers so retailers can sell chicken at RM9.50 per kilogramme in the public market," he said.
At the same time, Mohd Ridzuan said they also carried out compliance enforcement regarding the maximum price of the Covid-19 Antigen Quick Test Kit (self-test) at the wholesale level at RM16.00 and at the retail level at RM19.90.
He added that inspections had been carried out at 222 business premises throughout the state to monitor maximum price compliance by wholesalers and retailers since Sept 5.
The results of the inspections found there are retailers around Seberang Jaya who are able to offer the Covid-19 Antigen Quick Test Kit at a price of RM16.50 per box.
"Therefore, KPDNHEP advises traders to be prudent and ethical in business to address the issue of chicken prices and comply with the maximum price of the Covid-19 Antigen Quick Test Kit set by the government to break the Covid-19 chain," he added.