Reports by ALIZA SHAH, MOHD FARHAN SHAH, RAGANANTHINI VETHASALAM, GERARD GIMINO and IYLIA MARSYA ISKANDAR

       PETALING JAYA: The price of chicken should be set at a “reasonable” level that is acceptable to both poultry industry players and consumers, say consumer groups.

       The price of chicken should take into account both the operating cost and profits, said Consumers Association of Penang (CAP) president Mohideen Abdul Kader.

       “The government has to work out the cost of production and profit for sellers and also ensure that they do not make excessive profit,” he said.

       CAP education officer NV Subbarow said chicken prices should stay unchanged at RM8.90.

       “Chicken is eaten by everyone, from poor to rich. If the price is RM12, it will affect the poor.

       “There is no need to increase prices. Chicken farms must prove that they are losing,” he said.

       Muslim Consumers Association of Malaysia secretary-general Datuk Dr Ma’amor Osman said the operating cost to produce chicken had increased significantly, so it was crucial for the government to review the ceiling price it had set.

       Chicken, he added, was one of the cheapest sources of protein and any price hike would affect the people.“Everyone should have an open mind and discuss more sustainable prices. We’ve seen how costs have risen when it comes to day-old chick feed, wages and electricity, so the government should look at setting a more reasonable price,” he said.Ma’amor said the “reasonable price” could only be ascertained after operating costs and profit margins had been established.

       Consumer Nur Adillah Maaz, 41, who buys chicken regularly, said chicken prices should be controlled so that everyone could afford it.

       “The price of RM10 per kilo is too high for low salary earners.

       “Before this, it was priced at RM5.99 per kg at one supermarket. I think that’s a more affordable price than the almost RM20 for a whole chicken now,” she added.