PUTRAJAYA’s latest U-turn on reintroducing a ceiling price for chicken has only raised questions about its policymaking, Sim Tze Tzin said. 

The Bayan Baru lawmaker noted the decision comes only three days after its announcement that there would no longer be a cap on prices.

“The U-turn only shows the government’s weakness and inconsistency. Government policy is not formulated with clear objectives, professionally, or involving all stakeholders,” he said in a statement posted on his Facebook page today.

The former deputy agriculture and agro-based industry minister during the Pakatan Harapan administration noted that the prime minister has 69 ministers and deputy ministers.

“How is it that not even one can understand the depth of reason behind the rise of chicken prices?” he asked.

Yesterday, Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob said the government will not float the prices of chicken nor increase electricity and water tariffs in the peninsula.

His announcement marked a U-turn just three days after Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Alexander Nanta Linggi said chicken prices will be floated from July 1 following the end of chicken subsidies.

Ismail said the government will announce new ceiling prices for chicken soon.

“Putrajaya has decided that the price of chicken will not be floated in the market. Instead, the Agriculture and Food Industries Ministry will announce new ceiling prices soon.”

The price of standard chicken has been capped at RM8.90 per kg and the price of dressed or super chicken has been capped at RM9.90 since February. These prices were to be floated come July 1.

Nanta earlier this week said without the subsidies the prices of chicken will breach RM10, but hopefully not reach RM12.50.

Sim pointed out that the National Action Council on Cost of Living, chaired by Ismail, could not come up with a solution.

“The U-turn does not inspire confidence among the people and the livestock industry,” he said.

He said the U-turn is disruptive not just to the public but also farmers. 

“The public is not confident in these prices. The farmers are not sure if the subsidy will be stopped or continued.” – June 25, 2022.