PUTRAJAYA: The ceiling price for chicken and eggs, which is supposed to end this Sunday, has been extended until the end of the month.

       Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi (pic) said the extension was decided by the Cabinet at its weekly meeting on Wednesday.

       “The extension for the implementation of these produce is to ensure consumers are prepared for the price changes when the scheme ends on June 30,” he said yesterday.

       In February, the government set the ceiling price of standard chicken at RM8.90 per kg for four months up to June 5.

       The measure was taken to ensure the price of chicken remains affordable.

       The price for whole super chicken is RM9.90 per kg, while the ceiling price for grade A eggs is set at 43 sen each, grade B eggs at 41 sen and grade C at 39 sen.

       Nanta said the maximum price for chicken and eggs for Langkawi, Sabah, Sarawak and Labuan differed according to zones and districts.

       “As a concerned government, the Finance Ministry will look into the proposal for subsidies to be given to target groups and those in the low income bracket.

       “The study will include the subsidy rate and the right mechanism to channel the aid to tackle the increase in prices when the maximum ceiling ends,” he added.

       “The ministry’s enforcement officers will step up surveillance and enforcement to ensure supply of essential goods is stable and that there is no profiteering.

       “Trading communities must be ethical in carrying out their businesses.

       “They must not engage in profiteering just to make unreasonable profits.”