KLANG: There will be sufficient poultry, eggs, and other food items available in the market to meet the demands for the impending Christmas celebration till Hari Raya Aidilfitri.
That was the assurance given by Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu in the wake of the fine issued by the Malaysia Competition Commission (MyCC) yesterday against five chicken feed manufacturers.
Mohamad added that his ministry would work closely with the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry to ensure that there would be no shortage to meet the demands of consumers not only for daily consumption but also during Christmas celebrations on Dec 25, Chinese New Year and Hari Raya Aidilfitri next year.
"Insya-Allah (God willing), the supply of food items be they poultry or eggs, will always be available (in the market).
"In addition, these two ministries (Agriculture and Food Security together with Domestic Trade and Cost of Living) will closely monitor the situation and ensure that the supply of the food items are available even during festive seasons," he told reporters after launching the 2023 National Amanah Convention here today.
Asked on the fine issued by MyCC against the five chicken feed manufacturers, Mohamad said the matter was under the prerogative of the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry to carry out an investigation.
"If there is manipulation of prices, then the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry will investigate and take the necessary action.
"Nevertheless, my ministry will also help to ensure that such incidents will not recur and prevent it from burdening consumers," he said.
It was reported yesterday that MyCC issued a fine totalling RM415.5 million to the five companies after they were found guilty of forming a "chicken feed cartel" to fix prices.
They are Dindings Poultry Development Centre Sdn Bhd (Dinding); FFM Bhd (FFM); Gold Coin Feedmills (M) Sdn Bhd (Gold Coin); Leong Hup Feedmill (M) Sdn Bhd (Leong Hup); and PK Agro-Industrial Products (M) Sdn Bhd (PK Agro).
Five of the 29 companies were estimated to control up to 40 per cent market share of chicken feed in the country.