PASIR PUTEH: Suppliers, distributors and sellers have been warned by the Agriculture and Food Industries Ministry not to manipulate the price of chickens and eggs.

       Deputy Minister Dr Nik Muhammad Zawawi Nik Salleh said the government would act against those who were charging higher than allowed by the government.

       “The government will not remain silent and tolerate those who try to take advantage.

       “Don’t blame the government if stern action is taken against them. I hope those involved will take heed of this warning,” he told reporters after officiating a ceremony introducing Tok Janggut Warriors FC players at the Agro Resort Jeram Mengaji near Selising, here yesterday.

       Nik Muhammad Zawawi was responding to complaints from the public that there were some suppliers and wholesalers who tried to increase the pricing of the raw materials.

       “The government has short- and long-term plans to solve this problem.

       “This includes approving licences to import chicken and eggs from abroad to stabilise the price in the local market so as not to burden consumers,” he said.

       On Saturday, Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry enforcement director Azman Adam said the sharp increase in demand for eggs before, during and after the 2022 Chinese New Year holidays had contributed to the current shortage.

       He said the ministry was confident that the supply of eggs would stabilise and would be available at all localities in Malaysia once the egg farms and delivery companies resume operations soon. — Bernama