KUALA LUMPUR: The decision on whether to maintain price control will be made after proper deliberation, says Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi.

       The government imposed a ceiling price of RM8.90 per kg of chicken, under the price control scheme which was enforced from Feb 5 to June 5.

       "We are now in the process of making observations and studying (the situation and deciding) if we will go on with the RM8.90 ceiling price or not," he told reporters at the ministry’s open house on Tuesday (May 24).

       We will research. We cannot rush to (make a decision) without proper study," he said while adding that there was still some time left before the scheme ends.

       Asked on when the supply disruption would be resolved, he said it was still uncertain as to when there would be a resolution.

       "At this moment, it is still not easy for us to make an estimate. It will depend on the statistics from the industry players themselves. They have to prove to us and we will take it from there," he said.

       He said the government was also investigating claims on the existence of chicken cartels.

       Nanta Linggi added that the reaction to the abolishment of Approved Permits has been fairly positive, although there are importers who were disappointed.

       He said the priority now was to meet domestic demand.

       "This is not permanent. Once supply is enough we can let them export again," he said.

       The National Action Council on Cost of Living special meeting on the food production industry had, on Jan 31, decided to reduce the maximum retail price for standard chicken by 20 sen to RM8.90 from the RM9.10 ceiling price.