IPOH: The cost of chicken feed is one of the main reasons that prices for poultry have gone up, says Datuk Abdul Yunus Jamhari.

       The Perak Domestic Trade and Consumerism Committee chairman said the price of chicken feed has increased nearly two fold.

       "Previously, the price could go up to RM800 per tonne but now it has increased to RM1,400 per tonne.

       "Farmers have also told us that they had hired local workers, which costs more than foreign workers," he told reporters after visiting pharmacies at a shopping mall here to check on the price for Covid-19 self test kits on Tuesday (Sept 14).

       Abdul Yunus said the state Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Department found that a premises in Gopeng had sold chicken at RM11.50 per kg.

       "We found out about this a few days ago but the price has gone down to about RM10 per kg.

       "Large supermarkets like Tesco are able to sell at RM5.90 per kg because they usually have contracts with farmers," he said.

       "We will be investigating the matter to see if there are traders who are taking advantage by selling chickens at higher prices," he added.

       Separately, Abdul Yunus said there have been no reports of premises selling Covid-19 self test kits that were higher than the ceiling price as set by the ministry.

       "Since the ceiling price was set on Sept 5, we have conducted inspections at 125 premises in Perak.

       "Some pharmacies are even selling the kit at RM16.50, which is lower than the retail ceiling price (RM19.90) but they have assured us that the item is in accordance with the standards set by the Health Ministry," he said.