PRICE of goods are rising and the government needs to be swifter in addressing the issue before they spiral out of control, the Pakatan Harapan (PH) cost of living committee said.

In a statement, it listed the prices of a few items, noting their quantum of increase.

These include wheat flour, which is now 50 sen more expensive at RM3 per kg, and condensed milk, which is 60 sen higher at RM3.80.

It also noted that chillies are now RM25 per kg, up from RM17 per kg.

“The government also appears to have failed to control the price of chicken. Today, chicken cost RM10.50 per kg, which is higher than the control price of RM8.90 per kg set by the government.

“We urge the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry to immediately conduct enforcement nationwide,” the committee said.

The government capped the price of standard chicken at RM8.90 per kg in early February, effective until June 5.

Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Alexander Nanta Linggi said in February that the price of chicken could exceed RM10 per kg if the government did not intervene with the ceiling price.

Poultry farmers have reported increased production costs of up to 70%, attributed to the higher cost of feed inputs.

The agriculture ministry has also warned of price increases due to the Russia-Ukraine war, which began in late February, and has said that measures would be taken to control food prices. – April 7, 2022.