THE Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry is investigating claims that a shortage in chicken supply has resulted in price hikes in Kelantan and Terengganu.

Deputy minister Rosol Wahid said the investigation was being carried on suppliers and wholesalers to ascertain the validity of the claim.

“Even though a shortage of supply is said to be happening in several locations, we will investigate and take action if it is proven there is an increase in prices,” he told reporters after inspecting the implementation of the Festive Season Maximum Price Control Scheme for Deepavali celebrations at a supermarket in Masjid Tanah, Malacca today.

Commenting further, he said the current chicken price was stable and the ceiling price of standard chicken has been fixed at RM9.50 per kg.

On the implementation of the scheme, he said the ministry received no complaints so far on controlled items being sold above the fixed prices.

The ministry has listed 11 items under the scheme for Deepavali, namely live chicken; standard chicken; super chicken; imported mutton; grade A, B and C chicken eggs; red chilli; tomato; coconut and grated coconut.

“So far, we are satisfied with the cooperation from all levels of the chain,” he said.

Meanwhile, Rosol said the ministry had inspected a total of 3,843 business premises from Monday until today. – Bernama, November 3, 2021.