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KUALA LUMPUR, February 8 – There has been no rise in the prices of controlled goods, especially chili peppers and onions with the advent of the Chinese New Year celebration.
Home Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi said the ministry had not received any reports on the price increases for these items in the past week.
“Currently, the price of red chilli is at a reasonable level, no price increase … it has actually gone down. The price of onions has stabilized. Last week we met with some important onion wholesalers from India. They assured us that the onion supply over the next few weeks is sufficient, ” he said.
He said this after visiting the Kuchai Lama NSK Wholesale Market as part of the implementation of the maximum price control program for the 2021 Chinese New Year holiday season here today.
Regarding discussions to allow still open lines of business to resume operations, Nanta said a favorable announcement could be made soon, but reiterated strict adherence to standard operating procedures.
Meanwhile, in a statement, Nanta assured that the supply of chicken was also sufficient, although a major poultry factory in the country was recently closed.
Subsequently, he said the Ministry of Internal Trade and Consumer Affairs (KPDNHEP) had ordered a chicken processing plant in Pedas, Negeri Sembilan, to help ensure continuity of supply.
“The production remains stable, the other processing plants are still operating normally and can meet the needs of the market.
“According to the records, there have been no complaints about the chicken shortage nationwide,” he said.
On Saturday, a chicken processing plant in Serkam, Melaka was closed after 604 workers were found positive for Covid-19 after testing on February 1.
Commenting further, Nanta said the decision was made following an inspection and careful review of plant operations to decide on follow-up strategies and actions to ensure that the supply of chicken is not affected.
He said KPDNHEP will continuously engage chicken and egg industry players to oversee operations from time to time to ensure a stable supply.
Nonetheless, he reminded them to adhere to standard operating procedures (SOPs) at all times, screen workers and report to authorities if there are Covid-19 infections among them.
In addition, Nanta also urged producers, suppliers and retailers not to raise prices for chicken.
Information (on price increases) can be channeled through the [email protected] portal, call center 1800-886-800, Enforcement Directive Center 03-8882 6088/6245, or by e-mail [email protected], Ez ADU or WhatsApp application at 019-279 4317. – Bernama
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