KUALA LUMPUR: The Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry will set the maximum wholesale price for chicken and eggs in the next few days, its minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi said.
Subsequently, he said the next step would be to set the ceiling price at the retail level, adding that the decision was made considering the recent increase in prices of goods which had burdened both consumers and traders.
"The ministry uses the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011 to set the maximum prices at the wholesale level.
"After that, we will do it at the retail level. Otherwise, it will affect traders. If we only restrict (prices) at the retail level and don't control prices (of goods coming) from the farm, this will affect the traders," he said in the Special Chamber today.
Nanta said this in response to a special motion brought by Datuk Seri Salahuddin Ayub (PH-Pulai) who wanted the Dewan Rakyat to allow debates on the rising prices of goods nationwide in the House.
According to Nanta, the Federation of Livestock Farmers Associations of Malaysia (FLFAM) had expressed its commitment to maintaining the price of chicken and eggs throughout the month.
"Regarding the time frame set by the ministry to overcome the problem of rising prices of goods, the National Action Council on Cost of Living (NACCOL) will set a date and agenda to achieve the target.
"At the moment, the price of goods has become an urgent issue and so we will put other things aside for the time being.
"I assure you that after the meeting (with NACCOL), we will inform the results to all members of Parliament," he said.